{"id":143802,"date":"2026-02-04T20:11:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T20:11:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/143802\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T20:11:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T20:11:27","slug":"miami-redhawks-extend-historic-23-game-winning-streak-beat-buffalo-73-71","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/143802\/","title":{"rendered":"Miami RedHawks extend historic 23-game winning streak, beat Buffalo 73-71"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Led by a career-high 19 points from Luke Skaljac, the Miami RedHawks<\/a> handled Buffalo on Tuesday night to extend their historic winning streak to 23 games. The victory cemented the longest run in Mid-American Conference history and maintained Miami\u2019s status as the owner of the longest active winning streak in Division I men\u2019s basketball.<\/p>\n

The sophomore guard scored 15 of his 19 points in the second half to help the RedHawks extend their streak in the narrow 73-71 victory. Brant Byers added 11 points, and senior guard Peter Suder added another 10 with eight assists.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Luke <\/p>\n

Miami (Ohio) guard Luke Skaljac (3) drives to the basket in front of Buffalo forward Ezra McKenna (13) during the first half of an NCAA basketball game in Buffalo, New York, on Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jeffrey T. Barnes)<\/p>\n

“We keep finding ways to win, and tonight was just another example of that,” Skaljac said, via the team\u2019s website.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“I know we can score, we’re one of the best offensive teams in the country,” head coach Travis Steele added, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.<\/a>\u00a0 “It’s more about our defense, that’s my whole focus right now.”<\/p>\n

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Calling this season\u2019s run historic would be an understatement even for a program not typically recognized as a “powerhouse” in men\u2019s basketball.<\/a> The RedHawks went unranked for more than two decades before re-entering the rankings in the top 25 last month for the first time since 1999. They are one of only two teams in Division I to remain undefeated, and they are one win ahead of No. 1 ranked Arizona\u2019s streak of 22.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The RedHawks are currently the No. 23 ranked team and are on the verge of the program\u2019s first NCAA tournament <\/a>appearance since 2007. Unlike that run, which ended in the first round, Miami has had two other notable periods \u2013 a Sweet 16 appearance in 1999 led by Wally Szczerbiak and three straight NCAA bids from 1984-86 led by the school\u2019s all-time leading scorer and five-time NBA champion Ron Harper.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Ron <\/p>\n

Miami RedHawks guard Ron Harper (34) in action against Maryland Terrapins forward Tom Jones (41) in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 15, 1985. (Malcolm Emmons\/USA TODAY Sports)<\/p>\n

One Miami alum believes that this year\u2019s run is serving as a resurgence of the Harper days, one he remembers very well.<\/p>\n

“We would go over on Saturday afternoon and Millett Hall would be absolutely electric,” Fox News Chief Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram told Fox News Digital. “They have never before or since seen a player like Ron Harper.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pergram, who is from Jacksonburg, Ohio,<\/a> and earned both his bachelor\u2019s degree and master\u2019s degree from Miami University, recalled the excitement of watching basketball games at Millett Hall as a student at Edgewood High School in Trenton, Ohio.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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“And yes, Wally Szczerbiak was really good \u2013 played in the NBA,<\/a> had a long career, got them to the Sweet 16, but the Harper days were exceptional. He was clearly the best player in the MAC and one of the best players in the country. And when he got into the NBA, he had the hardware to show for it.”<\/p>\n

\"Justin <\/p>\n

Miami (Ohio) guard Justin Kirby (6) dunks during the first half of an NCAA basketball game against Northern Illinois in Oxford, Ohio, on Jan. 31, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jeff Dean)<\/p>\n

Pergram recalled the days when Millett Hall was packed, but the program fell on hard times over the past two decades. Attending a game in early January a few years ago, he remembered that “there weren\u2019t 200 people there,” most of whom he inferred were from nearby Eaton High School based on the school colors they wore.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But the tides are turning. The program set an attendance record in last week\u2019s win over Northern Illinois with 10,640. Ticket sales for home games appear to be trending in the same direction.<\/p>\n

“Everybody’s paying attention,” Pergram said, remembering his days at Miami when Harper served as the resident assistant in his dorm following a breakout freshman year. “To look back, it’s just amazing to see Miami basketball rise to these levels again, after that excitement that they had in the mid-1980s, when he was there.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"Trey <\/p>\n

Miami (Ohio) Trey Perry (1) celebrates with teammate Brant Byers (22) following an NCAA basketball game against Northern Illinois in Oxford, Ohio, on Jan. 31, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jeff Dean)<\/p>\n

The debate around Miami\u2019s schedule strength has surrounded its undefeated run. A win in the conference tournament would secure the RedHawks\u2019 spot in the NCAA tournament. Otherwise, the Selection Committee will determine Miami\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

The RedHawks continue their historic season with a game at Marshall on Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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