DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — A historic season for Miami (Ohio) faces its toughest test yet when the 31-1 Redhawks meet the SMU Mustangs in a men’s NCAA Division I playoff game Wednesday at University of Dayton Arena.

The Redhawks, whose lone loss came last Thursday in an 87-83 defeat to Massachusetts, enter with one of the nation’s best records. SMU, at 20-13, presents a contrasting profile as a power conference team installed as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 163.5.

Miami (Ohio), which has won 10 of its last 11, relies on balance and efficiency. Forward Antwone Woolfolk has been a consistent contributor, averaging 11.1 points over his last eight games, including a 14-point, 5-rebound effort in the loss to UMass. He is complemented by backcourt performers like Eian Elmer (16 points vs. UMass) and Brant Byers (17 points vs. UMass).

The Mustangs, however, feature a high-volume scorer in guard Jaron Pierre. He averaged 18.1 points over his last eight contests, including a 27-point performance against Miami (Fla.) and a 25-point outing against Louisville. SMU has struggled recently, losing five of its last seven, but its schedule in the Atlantic Coast Conference was markedly stronger than Miami (Ohio)’s Mid-American Conference slate.

This neutral-site game in Dayton offers a de facto home-state advantage for the Redhawks, though SMU’s athleticism and scoring punch pose a significant threat. The key matchup will be whether Miami (Ohio)’s disciplined, team-oriented approach can contain Pierre and overcome the Mustangs’ size and speed.

The winner advances to face Tennessee on Friday in Philadelphia.