It’s the talk of the town in Oxford, Ohio: Miami RedHawks basketball is back.Travis Steele’s team is one of just six unbeaten teams in Division I and is just outside of The Associated Press Top 25.The RedHawks haven’t been nationally ranked since 1999 but a terrific shooting team that has run the table this season is looking to change that.Of course, the ultimate goal for the RedHawks would be a MAC championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.“It will be buzzing, for sure,” sophomore forward Brant Byers said. “To do something like that, that hasn’t been done in a long time, I think it would bring a ton of energy.”Five players are averaging double figures for Miami, led by Byers, who has 14.8 points and 4.3 rebounds entering play on Friday.That scoring balance has led the RedHawks to a 16-0 start, including a 4-0 record in conference play. It’s catching the attention of college basketball fans around the country.“I mean I can’t say it’s something we expected completely, but we definitely expected to be in this position,” Byers said. “We knew the team we had.”In two seasons at Miami, Steele has returned the RedHawks to the top of the conference and reinvigorated a fanbase longing for success.“Crazy, energetic, very intense, friendly,” Byers said when describing Steele, who he said is sometimes like an older brother.Miami will put its undefeated record on the line Friday night, with a visit to play Toledo. The RedHawks return home next week for two games with Central Michigan and Buffalo.

OXFORD, Ohio —

It’s the talk of the town in Oxford, Ohio: Miami RedHawks basketball is back.

Travis Steele’s team is one of just six unbeaten teams in Division I and is just outside of The Associated Press Top 25.

The RedHawks haven’t been nationally ranked since 1999 but a terrific shooting team that has run the table this season is looking to change that.

Of course, the ultimate goal for the RedHawks would be a MAC championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

“It will be buzzing, for sure,” sophomore forward Brant Byers said. “To do something like that, that hasn’t been done in a long time, I think it would bring a ton of energy.”

Five players are averaging double figures for Miami, led by Byers, who has 14.8 points and 4.3 rebounds entering play on Friday.

That scoring balance has led the RedHawks to a 16-0 start, including a 4-0 record in conference play. It’s catching the attention of college basketball fans around the country.

“I mean I can’t say it’s something we expected completely, but we definitely expected to be in this position,” Byers said. “We knew the team we had.”

In two seasons at Miami, Steele has returned the RedHawks to the top of the conference and reinvigorated a fanbase longing for success.

“Crazy, energetic, very intense, friendly,” Byers said when describing Steele, who he said is sometimes like an older brother.

Miami will put its undefeated record on the line Friday night, with a visit to play Toledo. The RedHawks return home next week for two games with Central Michigan and Buffalo.