ST. LOUIS (Interstat) — In a game defined by contrasting styles, the Purdue Boilermakers leveraged superior efficiency and clutch free-throw shooting to outlast the Miami Hurricanes 79-69 in a men’s NCAA Division I playoff game Sunday at Enterprise Center.

The victory, played before a largely pro-Purdue crowd, advanced the Boilermakers’ season record to 29-8 while ending Miami’s campaign at 26-9.

The contest pitted Miami’s aggressive, possession-generating approach against Purdue’s methodical and precise offensive execution. The Hurricanes, forcing a near-even turnover battle and grabbing 12 offensive rebounds, managed 68 possessions to Purdue’s 65. However, the Boilermakers made each opportunity count, shooting a blistering 53.2% from the field and an even more impressive 8 of 14 from three-point range. The most decisive disparity came at the free-throw line, where Purdue converted 21 of 22 attempts, a 95.5% clip that stifled multiple Miami comeback attempts in the second half.

Miami started the game with clear intent, using its athleticism to build an early advantage. Ernest Udeh won the opening tip and finished with a dunk just five seconds in, and a Dante Allen three-pointer shortly after gave the Hurricanes a quick 5-0 lead. The Hurricanes maintained a slim margin for much of the first half, leading by as many as seven points. Shelton Henderson was instrumental early, attacking the basket for 10 of his 18 points before halftime. Miami took a 40-38 lead into the break, largely on the strength of 34 points in the paint and a 12-4 edge in offensive rebounds.

The most important part of the game, however, unfolded in the second half as Purdue systematically imposed its will. The Boilermakers opened the period with a 9-2 run, fueled by a Fletcher Loyer three-pointer and an Oscar Cluff tip-in. This surge gave Purdue a lead it would not relinquish. While Miami repeatedly cut the deficit to one or two possessions, Purdue had an answer each time, often in the form of a critical basket from Loyer or Trey Kaufman-Renn, or a series of unwavering free throws.

Loyer, Purdue’s top star, delivered a game-high 24 points, including four three-pointers, and was perfect on six free-throw attempts. His backcourt mate, Braden Smith, orchestrated the offense with 12 points and eight assists, while Kaufman-Renn was a force inside, finishing with 19 points and nine rebounds. Cluff provided a crucial defensive presence with two blocks and seven rebounds.

Miami’s efforts were led by Henderson’s all-around line of 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Malik Reneau added 16 points and five rebounds, and Tre Donaldson chipped in 13 points. Yet, the Hurricanes’ offensive struggles from the perimeter — just 5 of 19 on three-pointers — and a series of untimely turnovers in the closing minutes prevented them from completing the comeback. After cutting Purdue’s lead to 73-72 on a Tru Washington layup with just over two minutes remaining, Miami was outscored 6-1 down the stretch, with Purdue sealing the game at the line.

The Boilermakers’ offensive rating of 120.7 on 65 possessions starkly outperformed Miami’s 101.8, underscoring the game’s fundamental narrative. Purdue’s ability to score consistently in the half-court, coupled with its historic free-throw accuracy, proved too much for a Miami team that won the hustle stats but lost the efficiency battle.

Purdue, which entered the game as a 7.5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, covered the spread. The combined score of 148 points narrowly surpassed the over/under line of 148.5. The Boilermakers now move on in the postseason, having validated their status as a high-percentage favorite with a performance built on poise and precision.