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Led by Luke Skaljac’s career-high 19 points, the Miami RedHawks faced Buffalo on Tuesday night to extend their historic winning streak to 23 games. The victory cemented the longest winning streak in Mid-American Conference history and maintained Miami’s status as the owner of the longest active winning streak in Division I men’s basketball.
The sophomore guard scored 15 of his 19 points in the second half to help the RedHawks extend their streak in a close 73-71 victory. Brant Byers added 11 points and senior guard Peter Suder added 10 more with eight assists.
Miami (Ohio) guard Luke Skaljac (3) drives to the basket in front of Buffalo forward Ezra McKenna (13) during the first half of an NCAA basketball game in Buffalo, New York, February 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
“We continue to find ways to win, and tonight was just another example,” Skaljac said via the team website.
“I know we can score, we are one of the best offensive teams in the country,” added head coach Travis Steele, according to the Cincinnati Investigator. “It’s more about our defense, that’s all my focus right now.”
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To call this season’s run historic would be an understatement, even for a program that isn’t generally recognized as a “powerhouse” in men’s basketball. The RedHawks went unranked for more than two decades before re-entering the top 25 last month for the first time since 1999. They are one of only two Division I teams to remain undefeated, and they are one win ahead of No. 1-ranked Arizona’s streak of 22.
The RedHawks are currently the No. 23 ranked team and are poised to make the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007. Unlike that run, which ended in the first round, Miami has had two other notable stretches: a Sweet 16 appearance in 1999 led by Wally Szczerbiak and three straight NCAA bids from 1984-86 led by the all-time leading scorer of the school and five-time NBA champion, Ron Harper.
Miami RedHawks guard Ron Harper (34) in action against Maryland Terrapins forward Tom Jones (41) in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 15, 1985. (Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Sports)
One Miami alumnus believes this year’s race is a resurgence of the Harper era, which he remembers well.
“We would spend Saturday afternoon there and Millett Hall would be absolutely electric,” Chad Pergram, PK Press Club’ chief congressional correspondent, told PK Press Club Digital. “They’ve never seen a player like Ron Harper before or since.”
Pergram, a native of Jacksonburg, Ohio, and holder of bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Miami, recalled the excitement of watching basketball games at Millett Hall while he was a student at Edgewood High School in Trenton, Ohio.
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“And yes, Wally Szczerbiak was really good – he played in the NBA, had a long career, took them to the Sweet 16, but Harper’s days were outstanding. He was clearly the best player in the MAC and one of the best players in the country. And when he got into the NBA, he had the stuff to prove it.”
Miami (Ohio) guard Justin Kirby (6) dunks during the first half of an NCAA basketball game against Northern Illinois in Oxford, Ohio, January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Pergram recalled the days when Millett Hall was crowded, but the program has fallen on hard times over the past two decades. Attending a game in early January a few years ago, he remembered that “there weren’t 200 people there,” most of whom he deduced were from nearby Eaton High School, based on the school colors they wore.
But the tide is turning. The program set an attendance record in last week’s win over Northern Illinois with 10,640. Ticket sales for home games appear to be trending in the same direction.
“Everyone is attentive,” Pergram said, remembering his days in Miami, when Harper was a resident assistant in his dorm after a breakout freshman year. “Looking back, it’s just amazing to see Miami basketball reach these levels again, after the enthusiasm they had in the mid-1980s when he was there.”
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Miami (Ohio) Trey Perry (1) celebrates with teammate Brant Byers (22) after an NCAA basketball game against Northern Illinois in Oxford, Ohio on January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Debate surrounding Miami’s strength of schedule has surrounded its undefeated run. A win in the conference tournament would secure the RedHawks’ berth in the NCAA Tournament. Otherwise, the selection committee will determine Miami’s future.
The RedHawks continue their historic season with a game at Marshall on Saturday.
