BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a season defined by narrow escapes, the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks faced their most severe test yet. On Tuesday night, they ventured into a hostile Alumni Arena and emerged with the most precarious victory of their perfect campaign, edging the Buffalo Bulls 73-71 in a tense Mid-American Conference clash that was not secured until the final second.

The victory, played before a crowd of 3,507, pushed the Redhawks to 23-0 overall, one of the last remaining undefeated teams in NCAA Division I men’s basketball. Buffalo fell to 14-8, suffering a second heartbreaking loss to Miami this month, having fallen in overtime in Oxford on Jan. 17.

This contest lacked the extra period but delivered a similar dose of drama, ultimately decided by a critical defensive stand in the closing moments. The most important sequence of the game unfolded with Miami clinging to a 73-71 lead and just 11 seconds remaining. Buffalo, out of timeouts, inbounded the ball to sharpshooter Ryan Sabol for a potential game-winning three-pointer. His attempt from the wing missed, and in the ensuing scramble, the Bulls managed another offensive rebound, giving them a final look with four seconds left. Another three-point attempt, this time by Sabol again, rimmed out as time expired, allowing the Redhawks to exhale and escape.

The game was a stark contrast in styles. Miami won with efficient, high-percentage offense and disruptive defense, while Buffalo relied on the three-point shot and trips to the free-throw line to stay close. The Redhawks shot a robust 55.2% from the field (32 of 58) but struggled from deep, making only 6 of 22 from three-point range and a startlingly poor 3 of 6 from the foul line. Their offense was fueled by balance and ball movement, tallying 12 assists.

Buffalo countered by hitting 9 of 28 from beyond the arc and a much stronger 14 of 18 from the charity stripe. However, the Bulls were hampered by 15 turnovers, which Miami converted into 12 steals and several key transition baskets. The Redhawks’ defensive pressure, particularly on the perimeter, was a constant factor.

Miami built its winning margin with a strong first half, taking a 38-35 lead into the break. The Redhawks maintained a slim advantage throughout the second half, but could never shake the persistent Bulls. Buffalo’s Angelo Brizzi, a guard from Warrenton, Virginia, kept his team afloat with a game-high 22 points, including several tough drives and a pair of three-pointers. Daniel Freitag of Bloomington, Minnesota, added 18 points and a game-high seven assists for the Bulls.

The Redhawks were led by the backcourt duo of Luke Skaljac and Peter Suder. Skaljac, from Brecksville, Ohio, scored 19 points, many coming on decisive drives in the second half. Suder, of Carmel, Indiana, orchestrated the offense with eight assists while adding 10 points and playing a pivotal role in Miami’s defensive effort. Forward Brant Byers contributed 11 points on efficient 5-of-7 shooting.

Buffalo’s interior presence, Tim Oboh of Orpington, England, was a factor with seven points, two blocks, and a game-high nine rebounds, but Miami’s collective effort on the glass, limiting second chances despite Buffalo’s nine offensive rebounds, proved crucial.

The victory continues a remarkable run for Miami, which has now won five games this season by four points or fewer, including two overtime thrillers. Their perfect record will face another challenge on the road Saturday at Marshall. Buffalo, meanwhile, looks to rebound Saturday at South Alabama.

According to advanced metrics, Miami scored 104.5 points per 100 possessions, while Buffalo managed 99.2, underscoring the Redhawks’ slightly more effective execution in a possession-tight game. The final total of 144 points fell well under the pregame over/under line of 163.5, a testament to the defensive intensity both teams brought, particularly in the decisive final minutes where every possession carried the weight of an undefeated season.