Miami RedHawks Remain Undefeated, Keep Pace with Arizona

The 24th-ranked RedHawks defeated Northern Illinois to move to 22-0 this season.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The Miami University RedHawks, ranked 24th in the AP Top 25, defeated Northern Illinois 85-61 to improve to 22-0 this season and remain one of two undefeated Division I men's basketball teams in the country, alongside the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats.

Why it matters

The RedHawks' undefeated start has made them a Cinderella story in college basketball this season, though their strength of schedule has been questioned. If they can continue winning, they may earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament even if they don't win their conference's automatic bid.

The details

During the week, Reds play-by-play announcer John Sadak called the RedHawks "such a fun story this season." However, CBS Sports college basketball analyst and former Xavier Musketeers head coach Pete Gillen said the RedHawks' NET strength of schedule, which ranks 350th among Division I teams, "is gonna really hurt them." Gillen added that he thinks MU should earn an NCAA tournament at-large bid if the RedHawks win their remaining regular-season games but fail to earn the Mid-American Conference's automatic bid.

  • The Miami University RedHawks defeated Northern Illinois 85-61 on January 30, 2026.

The players

Miami University RedHawks

The men's basketball team of Miami University, a public research university in Oxford, Ohio. They are currently ranked 24th in the AP Top 25 and are one of two undefeated Division I teams in the country.

Arizona Wildcats

The men's basketball team of the University of Arizona, a public research university in Tucson, Arizona. They are currently ranked No. 1 in the country and are the other undefeated Division I team alongside the Miami RedHawks.

John Sadak

The play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team.

Pete Gillen

A college basketball analyst for CBS Sports and the former head coach of the Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“The RedHawks are such a fun story this season.”

— John Sadak, Reds play-by-play announcer

“The RedHawks' NET strength of schedule, which ranks 350th among Division I teams, is gonna really hurt them.”

— Pete Gillen, CBS Sports college basketball analyst, former Xavier Musketeers head coach

“I think MU should earn an NCAA tournament at-large bid if the RedHawks win their remaining regular-season games but fail to earn the Mid-American Conference's automatic bid.”

— Pete Gillen, CBS Sports college basketball analyst, former Xavier Musketeers head coach

What’s next

The RedHawks will look to continue their undefeated season as they face off against the Kent State Golden Flashes on February 3, 2026.

The takeaway

The Miami RedHawks' undefeated start has made them a Cinderella story in college basketball this season, though their weak strength of schedule may hurt their chances of earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament if they fail to win their conference's automatic bid. Their ability to maintain their perfect record could determine whether they make the Big Dance.