Bruce Pearl Delivers Verdict On Miami Of Ohio’s NCAA Tourney Bid After First Loss

College basketball analyst Bruce Pearl ruffled feathers by suggesting the then-unbeaten Miami of Ohio RedHawks would have to win their conference tournament to snag an NCAA bid.

The CBS and TNT commentator said mid-major Miami of Ohio would struggle in a major conference.

“They’re not built for the grind of a Big Ten or even a Big East. In the Big East Conference this year, they’d finish in the lower half,” Pearl, a former head coach, told Barstool Sports on March 2.

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In response, Miami of Ohio athletic director David Sayler issued a stern rebuke, saying he didn’t appreciate the “disrespect.”

So how did Bruce Pearl react Thursday afternoon when the RedHawks finally suffered their first defeat? They fell 87-83 to the UMass Minutemen in the Mid-American Conference Tournament.

Believe it or not, Pearl posted on his X account that Miami of Ohio “should get in” to the NCAA Tournament.

In spite of the recent propaganda I've always been a mid major guy. I think a 1 loss Miami of Ohio team should get in! I don't think they are one of the best 37 at large teams, but are 1 of the most deserving Good for the MAC, Cinderella and March madness @CBSSports @TNTSportsUS https://t.co/BDYmkbmGbj

— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) March 12, 2026

Pearl’s post was interesting, especially considering his previous comments about the RedHawks and the fact that his son, Steven Pearl, coaches another NCAA bubble team in the Auburn Tigers.

Before joining CBS/TNT, Bruce Pearl enjoyed a 21-year career as a head coach at Milwaukee, Tennessee and Auburn. His final team at Auburn advanced to the Final Four as did the 2018-19 team. He retired just before practice for the 2025-26 season began.

Miami RedHawks guard Peter Suder (5) and guard Luke Skaljac (3) leave the floor as UMass Minutemen forward Leonardo Bettiol (3) celebrates a win after the final buzzer Thursday at the Mid-American Conference Tournament.

Miami of Ohio stands 31-1 after Thursday’s defeat to a UMass team (17-15) that was seeded eighth in the MAC Tournament. During the regular season, the RedHawks survived several close calls to keep their record unblemished. That included a 110-108 overtime victory over the Ohio Bobcats in the regular-season finale.

The Minutemen’s Leonardo Bettiol led all scorers with 25 points Thursday and shared the team lead with eight rebounds. The RedHawks, who led 39-37 at halftime, placed all five starters in double figures. UMass outrebounded Miami of Ohio, 37-19.

The RedHawks must wait until Sunday to learn their fate. The NCAA Men’s College Basketball Selection Show will air at 6 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.

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