Bruce Pearl Rooting for Akron to Beat Miami RedHawks

College basketball analyst says he wants two MAC teams in NCAA tournament

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

College basketball analyst Bruce Pearl is rooting for the Akron Zips to upset the Miami RedHawks in the Mid-American Conference tournament, even though the RedHawks are ranked 19th nationally. Pearl believes Akron may be the better team and wants two MAC teams to make the NCAA tournament field.

Why it matters

Pearl's stance goes against conventional wisdom, as the RedHawks have enjoyed a highly successful season. However, Pearl believes the Zips may be more deserving of an at-large NCAA tournament bid, even if the RedHawks win the MAC tournament.

The details

Pearl explained his reasoning on CBS, saying "(The RedHawks) may not be the best team in the MAC. It might be Akron. It might be the Zips! ... I'm rooting for Akron to make the upset, that way two teams get to the NCAA tournament out of the MAC." He also agreed to pay the fine of RedHawks head coach Travis Steele for a halftime tantrum, to Steele's favorite charity.

  • The RedHawks are scheduled to open the MAC tournament against No. 8 seed UMass on Thurs., March 12 at 11 a.m. Eastern.

The players

Bruce Pearl

A college basketball analyst who has emerged as a critic of the 19th-ranked Miami RedHawks, suggesting they may not be as deserving of an NCAA tournament at-large bid as some power-conference teams.

Travis Steele

The head coach of the Miami RedHawks, who confirmed he still intends to wear a Speedo at the team's NCAA tournament Selection Sunday watch party.

David Sayler

The director of athletics for Miami, who took Pearl to task via Twitter/X for his take on the RedHawks, while explaining that the team tried to schedule tougher non-conference opponents but couldn't.

Akron Zips

The basketball team that Pearl believes may be the best in the Mid-American Conference, and that he is rooting for to upset the Miami RedHawks in the conference tournament.

Miami RedHawks

The 19th-ranked college basketball team that has enjoyed a highly successful season, but that Pearl believes may not be as deserving of an NCAA tournament at-large bid as some power-conference teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“(The RedHawks) may not be the best team in the MAC. It might be Akron. It might be the Zips! ... I'm rooting for Akron to make the upset, that way two teams get to the NCAA tournament out of the MAC.”

— Bruce Pearl, College basketball analyst (CBS)

“I'm putting Miami of Ohio in (the field of 68). They're in!”

— Bruce Pearl, College basketball analyst (CBS)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.