The No. 7 Miami Hurricanes have turned their team around from being one of the worst teams in their conference to making it to the second round of the NCAA national Championship Tournament. However, their redemption run may be in danger as they face the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers next, and that is quite the tall task given how well the Boilermakers did this season.
While Miami was eliminated by Virginia in the ACC Tournament, Purdue defeated No. 1 Michigan to win the Big Ten Tournament and automatically qualify for the NCAA Tournament. It should be safe to say that the Boilermakers are the overwhelming favorites in this matchup, but does Miami actually have a chance?
Miami vs. Purdue March Madness Second Round Key Matchups
The guard matchup here is interesting, as Braden Smith is undoubtedly one of Purdue’s biggest stars, as he was one of the sparks against Michigan, averaging 14.3 points per game. Miami will have to tighten its defenses around him, and that job would fall to senior guard Tre Donaldson, who averages 16.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.
For the forwards, Trey Kaufman-Renn showed he could handle Yaxel Lendeborg and dropped 20 points on Michigan. He is Purdue’s top scorer and will likely be guarded by Canes freshman Shelton Henderson, who has to step up for Miami in this game.
Down the middle, Oscar Cluff did well against the Wolverines, and he will be matched up against Canes’ big man Ernest Udeh Jr., who is a rebounding and shot-blocking threat in the paint. This should be an interesting duel for the boards.
Miami vs. Purdue March Madness Second Round Odds
Purdue is coming in as the -7.5 favorites, with an over/under of 147.5 points. The moneyline will be +270 for the Canes and -346 for the Boilermakers, so betting on Miami can mean a lot of money, but the risks are still very high.
Miami vs. Purdue March Madness Second Round Prediction
While Miami has shown much improvement in just one season, Purdue has been red-hot as of late, and their win over Michigan proves why they are considered a serious contender right now. While Miami can still pull off an unlikely upset, the likelier outcome will be a Purdue victory.
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