‘We’re carrying a lot of the mid-major on our back’
Miami was mentioned, debated and analyzed in seemingly each method potential as to its match worthiness.
All the RedHawks wanted to do was level at the zero in the loss column as to why they need to be in the match.
When they take the flooring for the 9:10 pm tip Wednesday towards SMU in the First Four, Miami gamers and coaches do not feel the have to show themselves any additional.
But they know others like them are lending their assist.
“We feel like we’re carrying a lot of the mid-major on our back right now,” Miami head coach Travis Steele mentioned. “We got an at-large bid, right? So we need to capitalize not just for Miami, but for all the other mid-major basketball because there’s a lot of good teams.”
Steele and his gamers mentioned Wednesday they’ve averted most of the outdoors noise about their workforce. Steele mentioned he is glad Miami is at the least being talked about.
“I don’t ask a lot from some of the people who had opinions on our team for advice, so why should we listen to them now?” he mentioned.
Miami was one of three mid-major packages that obtained at-large bids — together with Saint Louis and Saint Mary’s (CA) — on this 12 months’s discipline of 68.
Akron obtained the Mid American Conference’s auto-bid, marking the first time since 1999 the league has two match groups. Miami beat them in the common season. Wright State is the solely different workforce in the discipline Miami has performed.
Using KenPom.com rankings, SMU will probably be the second top-125 workforce the RedHawks face this season.
“I definitely see it as a game where we can quiet some noise that’s been around our team the entire year,” Eian Elmer mentioned. “But like Luke [Skaljac] said, honestly, we’re just trying to win, survive and advance at this point.”
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing
Peter Suder, Miami’s main scorer at 14.6 factors per sport, acknowledged the Mustangs will possible have an athletic and top benefit towards the RedHawks. He mentioned the similar points that damage them in the MAC match — primarily rebounding — will pop up once more Wednesday with out studying from that sport.
Skaljac mentioned Tuesday how the loss towards UMass additionally “humbled” the RedHawks. It additionally unintentionally offered a psychological refresh after finishing the common season grind.
Suder and Skaljac mentioned they nonetheless watched the relaxation of the MAC match, however Elmer bought away from basketball for a bit and Brant Byers mentioned he performed golf.
SMU head coach Andy Enfield is aware of the way it’s wish to be the little man getting the consideration.
Enfield created a Cinderella in 2013 with upstart Florida Gulf Coast, higher remembered as “Dunk City,” which made the Sweet 16.
He mentioned he acknowledges how at most impartial web site match venues followers already root for the underdog, and he hopes Miami is ready to have the house courtroom benefit.
“That’s what March Madness is all about, to give the non-power conference teams an opportunity, and Miami has that tomorrow against us,” he mentioned.
“I think once you started to dive into who you play, we’re really impressed by Miami. To go 31-0, how incredible is that? They deserve to be here.”
The RedHawks are in for the first time since 2007 underneath Charlie Coles, which Steele mentioned he hopes is “smiling down on us” with Miami being again in the match.
Miami earned its bid. It realized throughout the season how one can play by way of the additional media consideration.
The RedHawks are prepared for his or her alternative Wednesday.
“This is a huge reward for us, but again, we’re not satisfied, obviously, just to be here,” Steele mentioned. “We want to advance. That’s the goal.”
The winner travels to Philadelphia to play six-seeded Tennessee at 4:25 pm Friday.
