Mar 11, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Southern Methodist University Mustangs center Jaden Toombs (10) passes to guard Boopie Miller (2) as Louisville Cardinals center Aly Khalifa (15) and guard Kobe Rodgers (11) defend in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Miami (OH) vs SMU Prediction 3/18/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Miami (OH) Redhawks SMU Mustangs
Team Records 31-1 20-13
Spread +6.5 -105 -6.5 -115
Moneyline +250 -310
Total Over 163.5 (-110) Under 163.5 (-110)
Where UD Arena, Dayton, OH
When Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time 09:15 PM EDT
TV truTV

The Miami Ohio RedHawks and SMU Mustangs meet Wednesday in the college basketball First Four at the UD Arena. Here’s a Miami (OH) vs. SMU prediction. This article will include a Miami (OH) vs. SMU pick.

Miami Ohio RedHawks Betting Preview

The Miami, Ohio RedHawks beat Ohio and lost to UMass. Miami Ohio has won 31 of its last 32 games.

The Miami Ohio RedHawks are averaging 94 points on 52.8 percent shooting and allowing 77.4 points on 43.3 percent shooting. Peter Suder is averaging 14.6 points and 4 assists, while Brant Byers is averaging 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds. Evan Ipsaro is the third double-digit scorer, and Eian Elmer is grabbing 6 rebounds. The Miami, Ohio RedHawks are shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the arc and 74.9 percent from the free throw line. The Miami, Ohio, RedHawks are allowing 32.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.8 rebounds per game.

Make sure to check out the other first four game between Lehigh and and Prairie View A&M

SMU Mustangs Betting Preview

The SMU Mustangs beat Syracuse and lost to Louisville. SMU has lost 5 of its last 6 games.

The SMU Mustangs are averaging 85 points on 49.3 percent shooting and allowing 78.4 points on 43.5 percent shooting. Boopie Miller is averaging 19.2 points and 3.9 rebounds, while Jaron Pierre Jr. is averaging 17.6 points and 2 assists. BJ Edwards is the third double-digit scorer and Corey Washington is grabbing 4.9 rebounds. The SMU Mustangs are shooting 37.8 percent from beyond the arc and 74.2 percent from the free throw line. The SMU Mustangs are allowing 34.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.1 rebounds per game.

Why the SMU Mustangs will win

  • SMU has won 17 of its last 20 games against non-conference opponents.

Why the Miami RedHawks will win

  • Miami (OH) has won each of its last 20 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
  • SMU has lost three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
  • SMU has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of Miami (OH)’s last six night games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
  • Twenty-seven of SMU’s last 31 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 158 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

  • SMU ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (30.9).
  • SMU ranks 20th among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (85.0).
  • Miami (OH) ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (90.9).
  • Miami (OH) ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (61.3%).

Miami (OH) vs SMU Prediction

SMU is the more talented team and far and away more battle-tested, but it’s also an ACC team that had expectations and has lost 5 of its last 6 games. I’m not sure SMU is going to be able to get off the canvas. Miami (OH) has been criticized all season for its poor schedule and failed to close the deal in the conference championship, but it was given another chance to prove itself. No matter what you think of Miami (OH), it’s lost just one game this season and is 19-10 ATS overall. You make money backing Miami (OH). Since March 14 of last year, Miami (OH) is 5-0 SU and ATS as an underdog. Three of those wins have come under the 2026 calendar. While others are quick to poo-poo on this team, I’ll keep backing the Redhawks for a profit. Give me the points.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Miami OH +6.5