MIAMI NOTES

• RedHawks move up to No. 5; host Mercyhurst
• Martin takes hit, but keeps on coaching

The Miami University men's basketball team reached its highest ranking on the Mid-Major Top 25® Poll for the 2025-26 season, as Collegeinsider announced its new poll Monday evening, with the RedHawks ranked No. 5 overall.

Among other . . . 

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. . . teams, Akron was ranked seventh and Kent State 16th. Buffalo (24th) also cracked the Top 25. 

The RedHawks have started the season 3-0, with their most recent victory coming at Air Force (76-61) to improve to 3-0 for the first time since the 2021-22 season. Now in its 27th season, the Mid-Major Top 25® is voted on by 31 Division I coaches. 
To view the complete Mid-Major Top 25® Poll, click HERE

MARTIN DOWN AND ... UP!
Miami football Head Coach Chuck Martin took a hit during his team's win over Buffalo Wednesday night. 
The sidelines veteran was knocked off his feet by a Buffalo player when a play spilled over to the team's sideline area. Though appearing a little shaken at first, Martin was able to continue. It appeared well, but it might be something he feels the next morning. 

BASKETBALL HOSTS LAKERS
Miami returns home to Millett Hall this Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. versus the Mercyhurst Lakers. The RedHawks enter this game ranking first in the country in three-point percentage (48.2%) and sixth in field goal percentage (55.1%). The Red and White will look to extend its home win streak to 18 in a row with a win over the Lakers on Thursday. 
The RedHawks will also wear new special-edition Cradle of Coaches-themed uniforms. The custom-designed Cradle of Coaches-inspired uniforms feature distinct branding elements that pay tribute to the storied heritage of the Cradle of Coaches.

COLLEGIATE HOOPS ROADSHOW: Thursday's game marks the second of four games in the Collegiate Hoops Roadshow, an event produced by Russ Potts Productions, Inc. The multi-team event features Akransas - Pine Bluff, Marshall, Mercyhurst and Miami.

ABOUT MERCYHURST: Mercyhurst is currently 3-2, as the Lakers have secured victories over Loyola Chicago (73-65), PSU New Kensington (94-43) and most recently Morgan State (86-72). Mercyhurst went 15-16 (9-7 NEC) last year, its first season at the Division I level. Head coach Gary Manchel enters year 23 with the Lakers. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Mercyhurst was selected to finish fourth overall in the NEC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll. 

Offensively, graduate student guard Bernie Blunt III leads the team with 17.8 points per game, while senior guard Christian Gamble and sophomore guard Deshaun Jackson Jr. have each averaged the most assists (3.6/game). Sophomore forward Mykolas Ivanauskas leads the team in rebounds (6.6/game), as he has averaged 2.4 offensive rebounds and 4.2 defensive rebounds per game. Jackson Jr. has recorded the most steals on the team (2.0/game), and sophomore forward Qadir Martin has totaled a team-high in blocks (2.0/game). 

THE SERIES WITH THE LAKERS: This Thursday's home contest against Mercyhurst will be the first meeting between the programs.

UP NEXT: Miami stays home for a contest against Arkansas - Pine Bluff on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m.