Miami Ohio’s Unbeaten Streak Fueled by Player Superstitions

The Miami University RedHawks men's basketball team in Oxford, Ohio, has not lost a game this season, now holding a 24-game home win streak after beating Western Michigan 87-76 on January 6, 2026. Players credit small rituals like wearing the same socks for every home game and avoiding shoes from past losses for keeping their perfect record alive.

Background

Miami Ohio's run started quietly in the non-conference schedule but picked up steam as they entered Mid-American Conference play. By late December, they had won 20 straight games overall, drawing national attention when they climbed to No. 24 in the AP Top 25 poll on January 26. Their latest win over UMass on January 27, an 86-84 thriller, kept them at 21-0 before the record-breaking home victory against Western Michigan.

The team plays out of Millett Hall, a gym that has become a fortress. The old home win streak record stood at 23 games from 1996 to 1998. That mark fell in the second half against the Broncos, when Miami pulled away after a tight first half. Players like grad student forward Ryan Skaljac set the tone early with seven quick points, including midrange jumpers and a three-pointer.

Over the past month, the RedHawks have faced tough opponents. They beat UMass in a game that came down to the final shot, which missed. Before that, they handled Northern Illinois and others in convincing fashion. Coach's strategy focuses on rebounding and free throws, areas where Miami has excelled. In the WMU game, they grabbed 41 rebounds to 34 and hit 79.4% from the line.

This streak is not just numbers. It has changed the atmosphere in Oxford, a small college town. Students pack Millett Hall early, and local businesses put up signs supporting the team. The RedHawks are now the talk of college basketball, with scouts and fans watching every move.

Key Details

Players have developed personal rituals to maintain the streak. Guard Cooper Atkins wears the same pair of white socks for every home game. He washes them by hand after each one but never changes the pair. Atkins started this in the fifth game of the season, after a near-upset where he felt off. Since then, Miami has won every home contest with those socks on the court.

Forward Luke Kirby avoids shoes he wore in practice before a close road win. He keeps a bin labeled 'bad game shoes' in the locker room. Teammates joke about it, but Kirby swears by it. In the WMU game, Kirby grabbed a career-high eight rebounds, many wearing his 'good' sneakers.

Standout Performances

Ryan Skaljac led the way against Western Michigan with his early scoring burst. He stole the ball and went coast-to-coast for a layup, then set up Kirby for a layup plus foul. In the second half, junior guard Jackson Atlason hit two threes and dunked over a defender to spark a run. Suder added layups and free throws to build a double-digit lead.

Woolfolk closed strong with back-to-back shots in the paint and a three-pointer at the shot clock buzzer. The bench scored 37 points, showing depth. Miami turned turnovers into points, holding WMU to 14 turnovers while committing just 11.

"These little things keep us focused. The socks, the shoes—they remind us to stay sharp every game." – Cooper Atkins, RedHawks guard

Other rituals include eating the same pre-game meal. Most players stick to chicken and rice from the training table. Coach does not encourage superstitions but lets players do what works. The team bus follows the same route to away games, avoiding construction zones that popped up mid-season.

Stats back the hot streak. Miami shoots 50% from the field in recent games and dominates the boards. Against WMU, they outrebounded them handily, with Kirby and Byers cleaning up misses.

What This Means

An unbeaten run this long puts Miami Ohio in rare company. They sit atop the MAC standings, with eyes on an NCAA Tournament top seed if they keep winning. The home streak record adds pressure but also momentum heading into road games like the one at Toledo on January 9.

Fans see a team that believes in itself. Wins over ranked teams and close calls like UMass show resilience. Superstitions bind them, creating unity. If the rituals hold, Miami could extend the streak through February.

Next tests come soon. Bowling Green visits on February 20, broadcast on CBSSN. Northern Illinois plays at Millett Hall on January 30 for 'One Miami Day.' Each game tests if socks and shoes can carry them further.

The RedHawks practice the same way every day: early shootarounds, film sessions, and weight room time. No changes there. But in the locker room, the bin of unlucky shoes grows, and Atkins' socks stay white. This mix of skill and habit fuels their chase for a perfect season.