After much debate, the Miami Ohio RedHawks have been awarded an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament, but if they want to play in the Round of 64, they need to upset the SMU Mustangs in the First Four.<\/p>\n
The RedHawks put together an undefeated 31-0 regular season, but fell in their first game in the MAC Tournament. As a result, they need to prove their regular season isn’t fraudulent by taking down the SMU Mustangs from the ACC.<\/p>\n
Let’s dive into the odds and my best bet for this First Four showdown on Wednesday night.<\/p>\n
Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU Odds, Spread, and Total<\/p>\n
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook<\/a><\/p>\n Spread<\/p>\n Miami +6.5 (-105)SMU -6.5 (-115)<\/p>\n Moneyline<\/p>\n Total<\/p>\n OVER 164.5 (-108)UNDER 164.5 (-112)Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU How to WatchDate: Wednesday, March 18Game Time: 9:15 pm ETVenue: UD ArenaHow to Watch (TV): truTVMiami (Ohio) Record: 31-1SMU Record: 20-13Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU Betting TrendsMiami (Ohio) is 1-4 ATS in its last five gamesThe UNDER is 8-3 in Miami’s last 11 gamesMiami is 6-0 ATS in its last six games as an underdogSMU is 2-4 ATS in its last six gamesThe OVER is 9-4 in SMU’s last 13 gamesMiami (Ohio) vs. SMU Key Player to WatchBoopie Miller, G – SMU Mustangs<\/p>\n Boopie Miller is averaging 19.2 points and 6.4 assists per game, both of which are the best marks on the team. Not only that, but he’s shooting 41% from beyond the arc. If SMU runs away with the win in this game, it’s going to be because Miller brings his best stuff.<\/p>\n Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU Prediction and Pick<\/p>\n In Road to the Final Four<\/a>, I broke down why I’m laying the points on SMU to win and cover as favorites:<\/p>\n As deserving as Miami is to get into the NCAA Tournament for having an undefeated regular season, the RedHawks’ haters are unfortunately correct. Their underlying numbers aren’t nearly as good as you’d imagine from a team that was 31-0. They rank just 101st in defensive efficiency and 261st in effective possession ratio.<\/p>\n Now, they have to face an SMU team that’s 27th in effective field goal percentage and 175th in defensive efficiency while facing far tougher competition in the ACC.<\/p>\n It’s time to sell your Miami stock.<\/p>\n Pick: SMU -6.5 (-115)<\/a><\/p>\n Unlock $200 in bonus bets \u2014 all without a promo code for DraftKings<\/a>. Sign up and place a $5 bet and you will receive $200 in bonus bets instantly.<\/a><\/p>\n Follow Iain on X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.<\/p>\n If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n You can check out all of\u00a0Iain’s bets here<\/a>!<\/p>\n