Miami (OH) tried to schedule major programs — New details show why it didn’t happen

Miami (OH) tried to schedule powerhouses this season and new details show who they wanted to face. As the undefeated RedHawks face criticism over their resume, there's another side to the story. 

The nation’s lone unbeaten team in Division I men’s basketball at 30-0 says it tried to schedule a far more challenging non-conference slate. And Extra Points' Matt Brown confirmed it. 

Miami's season has drawn many options ahead of the NCAA Tournament. The Mid-American Conference program entered Thursday ranked 53rd in the NET and 88th in KenPom, with critics pointing to a non-conference schedule ranked No. 360 by KenPom. But you can't fault them for lack of effort. 

Emails obtained by Brown through an open records request show Miami contacted more than 20 programs during the offseason while attempting to schedule top-tier opponents. Among the schools the RedHawks reached out to were Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, Marquette, Kansas, Ohio State and BYU.

According to athletic director David Sayler, the lack of top opponents came from the other end of conversations. 

More: BYU star AJ Dybantsa hints at possible return despite No. 1 NBA draft buzz

“The system is set up for the power conference schools,” Sayler told On3. “They can play mostly home games and neutral sites. We’re willing to go on the road, but when teams won’t schedule you early and then people criticize your resume later, it’s a double-edged sword.”

Despite the criticism, Miami remains unbeaten entering the final game of the season vs. Ohio. They'll enter the MAC Tournament and are widely expected to receive an NCAA Tournament bid. Even if Bruce Pearl believes Auburn should go ahead of the RedHawks with 12 losses on the season. 

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