Mid-majors advance after First Four wins in Dayton
PUBLISHED Mar 19, 2026, 12:33 AM ET
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DAYTON, Ohio — Miami (Ohio) beat SMU 89-79 Wednesday in a First Four game, recording the RedHawks’ first NCAA Tournament victory in 27 years and advancing to play Tennessee on Friday. Eian Elmer scored 23 points, going 6-for-9 from three-point range; Brant Byers added 19 and Luke Skaljac 17. Prairie View A&M defeated Lehigh 67-55 as Dontae Horne scored 25, and Nebraska beat Richmond 75-56. Reports drew on game box scores, coach and player quotes, campus watch-party comments and local coverage at UD Arena, and official NCAA statistics published across outlets nationwide. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By Moonie | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Miami (Ohio) completed an unbeaten regular season before postseason play, according to coverage.
- Lehigh won the Patriot League championship the prior Wednesday, securing a First Four berth.
- First Four games were played Wednesday at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
- Prairie View A&M defeated Lehigh 67-55; Miami (Ohio) beat SMU 89-79.
- Winners (Miami (Ohio), Prairie View A&M, Nebraska) advanced to Round of 64 matchups scheduled for Friday.
News Intelligence
- If you're a college basketball fan, these games are the start of March Madness. They can be a source of community pride and friendly competition. Check your local listings to catch the Round of 64 games on Friday.
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Mid-majors advance after First Four wins in Dayton
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