The Miami RedHawks men’s basketball team is set to face UMass on Tuesday, January 27, at 9 p.m. This game is a highly anticipated matchup as the RedHawks come into it with an impressive record of 20-0, including 8-0 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), marking the best start in the program’s history. With their recent victory, Miami achieved the distinction of holding the best start in MAC history, surpassing the previous record of 19-0 set by Western Michigan in the 1975-76 season.
On the other hand, UMass holds a record of 13-8 and is currently 4-5 in MAC play. The Minutemen recently secured narrow victories over Buffalo, 68-67, and Toledo, 84-82, showcasing their competitive spirit. Last season, UMass finished with a 12-20 record and head coach Frank Martin, now in his fourth season, aims to improve upon that. They were predicted to finish fifth in the 2025-26 MAC Preseason Poll, with senior forward Daniel Hankins-Sanford earning a spot on the Preseason All-MAC Second Team. Notable players for UMass include graduate student Leonardo Bettiol, who leads the team with 17.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and freshman guard Danny Carbuccia, who tops the assists list with 6.0 per game.
Historically, Miami has struggled against UMass, trailing 0-2 in their all-time series. The last encounters saw Miami falling short with scores of 73-65 in 2014 and 70-69 in 2013.
In their most recent outing, the RedHawks triumphed over Kent State with a high-octane 107-101 overtime victory. Miami’s performance saw key contributions from several players, including notable efforts with 27 points and 10 rebounds from one standout player. This match marked Miami’s eighth consecutive conference win, their best start since the 1994-95 season. The team has also achieved an impressive home win streak of 26 games, the most in their program’s history.
Additionally, Miami’s scoring prowess has become a hallmark of their season, highlighted by their remarkable seven instances of scoring 100 or more points this season—setting a program record. Their offensive efficiency has placed them at the forefront nationally in several categories, including leading the nation in effective field goal percentage and scoring offense.
As the RedHawks prepare for their meeting with UMass, they hope to extend their unbeaten run and solidify their place as a dominant force in the MAC. With continued support from their fans and strong performances, there’s optimism that Miami can build on their historic season.