The stage is set for an intriguing Mid-American Conference showdown on Friday, as the Ohio Bobcats travel to face the unbeaten and nationally ranked Miami (OH) RedHawks at Millett Hall in Oxford. Miami (OH) has captured national attention by maintaining a perfect 24-0 record and standing as the lone unbeaten team in Division I basketball this season, while Ohio sits just above .500 with a 13-12 overall mark. Their histories are intertwined in a long rivalry often dubbed the Battle of the Bricks, and you will find my Ohio vs Miami (OH) prediction here before tip-off.
Our Ohio vs Miami (OH) Pick
Pick:
Confidence: 4/5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Ohio Bobcats @ Miami (OH) RedHawks
- Date & Time: February 14, 2026, 9:00 PM ET
- Venue: Millett Hall, Oxford, Ohio
- Broadcast: ESPN
Key Storylines
- Miami (OH) enters this contest as the only unbeaten team left in Division I men’s basketball at 24-0 and 11-0 in MAC play, attempting to extend its perfect season on home court. Their ranking at No. 23 in the AP poll reflects national recognition for this historic campaign.
- Ohio comes in at 13-12 overall and 7-5 in conference action, having split recent outings and looking to upset a dominant RedHawks team that has been near flawless on both ends of the floor.
- Key contributors for Miami include Brant Byers, leading the RedHawks in scoring and shooting efficiency. Peter Suder’s all-around playmaking is also an important part of an offense that averages nearly 93 points per game.
- Ohio’s offense is driven by senior guard Jackson Paveletzke, averaging over 16 points and team-leading assists, and forward Aidan Hadaway anchoring the boards.
- Miami’s home court edge is significant. The RedHawks are unbeaten at home this season, making Millett Hall a tough environment for visiting teams to cover double-digit spreads.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
Past meetings
- The Battle of the Bricks adds historical spice to this rivalry. Miami trails Ohio all-time but has been competitive in recent years and split games last season, including a win in Oxford followed by a Bobcats’ victory in Athens.
ATS and O/U records
- Miami (OH) boasts a strong ATS showing at home as favorites, and Ohio has been less consistent covering as an underdog this season.
- Many of Miami’s recent games and Ohio’s road performances have leaned toward the OVER, though individual matchups vary based on pace and defense.
Ohio vs Miami (OH) Model Projection
Score Projection:
Win Probability:
Final Thoughts
