Preview: Seed Miami (FL) vs. Seed Purdue in NCAA Tournament Second Round

ST. LOUIS (Interstat) — A high-powered offense meets a methodical powerhouse when the seventh-seeded Miami (FL) Hurricanes face the second-seeded Purdue Boilermakers in a second-round NCAA Tournament men’s basketball game Sunday at Enterprise Center.

The Hurricanes (26-8), fresh off an 80-66 win over Missouri on Friday, bring a potent and efficient attack into the matchup. They are led by forward Malik Reneau, who scored 24 points in the first-round victory and has averaged 19.1 points over his last seven games. Miami’s backcourt of Tre Donaldson and Shelton Henderson combined for 32 points and 10 assists against Missouri, providing balance.

Purdue (28-8), which routed Queens (NC) 104-71 in its opener, is anchored by the dynamic backcourt play of Braden Smith. The guard is coming off a 26-point, 8-assist performance and has recorded a double-double in assists and points in three of his last six games. His orchestration of the Boilermakers’ offense, one of the nation’s most efficient, will be critical.

The game presents a stark stylistic contrast. Miami prefers a faster tempo, ranking among national leaders in adjusted tempo, while Purdue imposes its physical, half-court system centered on precision and limiting mistakes. The Hurricanes will need another major scoring afternoon from Reneau to keep pace, while containing Smith’s penetration and distribution will be a primary defensive focus.

Purdue, which has won five of its last six, has the experience edge, making its third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance last season. Miami, seeking its first regional semifinal since 2023, counters with athleticism and scoring versatility.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Purdue is a 7.5-point favorite. The over/under is 148.5.

The winner will advance to the Sweet 16 next week in Los Angeles.