In one of the first surprises of the tournament, Miami (OH) RedHawks took down SMU Mustangs in Dayton, setting up a showdown with Rick Barnes and the Vols. It’s a dangerous matchup; Miami moves the ball effortlessly and has the ability to score from anywhere on the court. They don't run set plays unless Kevin Steele draws one up after a timeout, so they are a difficult team to prep for because you don't know what's coming.
3 things that could derail Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament
Seth Greenberg of ESPN went into the Miami-Tennessee game tomorrow and gave out the recipe for a upset. Greenberg said that if Miami can impose its style of play, that is the first step to winning the game. Next, for Miami, Greenberg says, is to get Tennessee's bigs away from the basket. He goes on to say that if Miami can invert its offense and spread the floor, this will force the Vols to have to force Miami to turn the ball over. If Miami can own the tempo and the rhythm of the game, the Vols could be on upset alert.
.@SethOnHoops details the "art of the upset" ahead of Miami (OH) vs. Tennessee in the Round of 64 🏀 pic.twitter.com/Txqeviyt6X
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 19, 2026
Where is Tennessee's advantages on Miami (OH)
Tennessee’s biggest advantage in this matchup lies in the frontcourt. With Felix Okpara, J.P. Estrella, and Jaylen Carey, the Vols have the size and physicality edge. But against a dangerous shooting team like Miami (OH), every possession matters, especially second-chance opportunities, where empty trips could quickly turn into momentum swings.
Plus, as Greenberg said, Tennessee cannot allow Miami to play its style and control the tempo. Tennessee needs to slow the game down and play from the inside out on offense, as they normally do. The Vols have more raw talent with Nate Ament and Ja'Kobi Gillespie, but Miami is pesky and can make you pay if you give them an opening.
Right now, Vegas has Tennessee as an 11.5-point favorite over Miami, but, like March is known for, Tennessee could be on an upset alert. With the game in Philadelphia, Miami travels well, and it's not too far from Oxford, Ohio. If this game is close down the stretch, the crowd will surely swing in the Redhawks' favor. The Miami story has been fun, but it's time for the Vosl to close the book.