Miami returns home to host Ohio in the Battle of the Bricks on Friday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m.
on ESPN. With No. 1 Arizona falling to Kansas on Monday night, Miami is the only remaining undefeated team in the country. The Red and White enter this Friday’s game with a 24-0 (11-0 MAC) record, its best start to a season in program history. The RedHawks have also secured the best start for a program in MAC history (originally set by WMU in 1975-76 at 19-0) and the longest win streak in MAC history (originally set by Kent State in 2001-02 at 21-0).
Ohio is currently 13-12 (7-5 MAC), as the Bobcats most recently dropped to Old Dominion (72-78). Last season, Ohio went 16-16 (10-8 MAC). Head coach Jeff Boals is in his seventh season
with the Bobcats. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Ohio was selected to finish fourth overall in the 2025-26 MAC Preseason Men’s Basketball Poll. Senior Jackson Paveletzke (16.6/game), senior Aidan Hadaway (14.2/game) and redshirt junior Javan Simmons (14.0/game) lead the Bobcats offense in points. Paveletzke has recorded the most assists (5.3/game) and Hadaway has totaled the most rebounds per game (7.5/game). Senior Ajay Sheldon leads the team in steals (1.6/game) and freshman JJ Kelly has put down the most blocks (0.9/game). AND OU SUCKS!
Game Outcome Prediction Using AnalyticsThe upcoming matchup is Ohio at No. 23 Miami (OH) on Feb 13, 2026 (MAC game at Millett Hall, 9:00 PM ET on ESPNU). These rivals play twice; this is the first (Miami home). No prior head-to-head this season.
Analytics-Driven Factors: Miami’s home form (88 PPG scored, 75.8 allowed) overwhelms Ohio’s away struggles (78.8 scored, 81.8 allowed). Miami’s +9.29 AdjEM and 62.6% eFG% give a massive edge over Ohio’s near-neutral metrics. Home-court (~3-5 points) and Miami’s 24-game win streak boost ~80-85% win probability (per implied KenPom/Torvik models). Ohio’s 13.6 assists could keep it close early, but Miami’s tempo (70.3) and low TO% (11.0%) wear them down.
Predicted Score: Miami (OH) 88, Ohio 72 (Miami covers ~12-14 point spread; total ~160, over typical O/U of 155).
Why Miami Wins: Superior efficiency (AdjO 117.0) and defense vs. Ohio’s vulnerabilities (losses to similar mid-majors); undefeated streak continues to 25-0.
I have to believe that even the Vatican wants us to win–and keep winning! The Pope is from Chicago and we have a bunch of alums and students from the area. So, can’t hurt.
Due to dislike, I will no longer post any content generated by AI. I thought I was adding something to these game previews, but apparently I am not. Sorry.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Ai article summation is basically like Dave Barry post syndication: not funny. But when he had an editor, his writing was on point. The tech will likely improve from where it’s at now