UMass Gets Past Miami, Keeps Season Alive
The Minutemen upset the nation's last remaining unbeaten team to move on to the MAC Tournament Semifinals.
UMass knocked off the nation’s final unbeaten team Thursday afternoon.
The Minutemen rallied in the second half to defeat Miami (Ohio) 87-83 in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals at Rocket Arena, putting an end to the RedHawks’ perfect season and keeping UMass’ season alive.
The win sends UMass into Friday’s semifinals against either Toledo or Bowling Green.
Leonardo Bettiol led the Minutemen with 25 points and eight rebounds, while Marcus Banks Jr. added 18 points and Jayden Ndjigue finished with 16 points and eight rebounds. Daniel Hankins-Sanford chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds as UMass dominated the glass, outrebounding Miami 41-24.
The RedHawks entered the tournament undefeated after finishing the regular season 31-0.
UMass trailed 39-37 at halftime but surged in the second half behind efficient offense and a relentless effort on the boards. The Minutemen shot 52 percent from the field and finished with 17 offensive rebounds, repeatedly generating second chances against the MAC’s top seed.
Miami was led by Brant Byers’ 17 points, while Eian Elmer added 16 and Antwone Woolfolk finished with 14.
UMass head coach Frank Martin credited his team’s defensive effort and resilience after the game.
“We’ve kind of been in the same situation all year,” Martin told ESPN+ afterward of playing in tight games. “Unfortunately what’s let us down has been our defense. But a lot of credit to my guys. They battled their tails off defensively.
“These guys (Miami) average 95 a game and we battled and battled and never dropped our heads. Our whole theme all week was next play, next play, next play. And that’s what we did today.”
Martin said the team’s experience in close games helped prepare them for the moment.
“They didn’t blink,” Martin said. “When you play all these close games, you can either be heartbroken or gain confidence that you’re good enough. Our guys have gained confidence and this is just the same game we played all year. We just figured out a way to overcome the end of the game.”
Bettiol and Banks delivered several key baskets down the stretch to help seal the upset.
“Those two guys, those two grad transfers…we got no credit for those guys,” Martin said. “That’s been the story of my career. It’s finding guys who fit who we are and how we play. As the year’s gone on, they’ve bought in.”
Ndjigue also provided a key lift for the Minutemen.
“Jayden’s one of the consummate team guys. He’s getting better offensively. We challenged him to cut and drive the ball and that’s what he did. He came up with some big time rebounds. I’m really happy for him because he’s been a great teammate for three years.”
UMass will play the winner of today’s Toledo-Bowling Green matchup in the MAC semifinals at 5 pm on Friday in a game that will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
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