Published Mar 22, 3:07am ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 22, 3:07am ET
Updated Mar 22, 3:07am ET
Braden Smith just broke the most historic record in college basketball. Can his playmaking take the Boilermakers to the Sweet Sixteen?
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| Purdue Boilermakers | -340 |
| Miami Hurricanes | +270 |
Miami is 26-8 overall and the 7th seed in the Midwest Region, making their second round for the first time since 2023 under first-year head coach Jai Lucas, who came over from Duke's staff.
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Malik Reneau is a problem in the paint. He averages 19 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 56.5% shooting, and is a player who has scored 20-plus in 17 games this season. In the first round Reneau led with 24 points. Purdue is known for having one of the best frontcourts in the country, but Reneau will try to prove them otherwise.
Purdue is 27-8 overall and the 2nd seed in the Midwest Region, making their seventh Sweet 16 in nine tournaments under Matt Painter, one of the most consistent tournament coaches in the country.
Braden Smith is the all-time NCAA assists record holder as of Friday night. He averages 9.0 apg, leads the team at 14.3 ppg, and is simply the best point guard in the country right now. He know what it takes to make a deep run in March. Can he make it back to the second weekend?
Purdue is the better team on paper but Miami's frontcourt is the great equalizer here. Reneau and Udeh will match Kaufman-Renn and Cluff on the glass, give Miami second chances all night, and keep the Hurricanes in a game that most people expect to be a blowout. Miami went into Missouri's backyard and won by 14. We think they carry that momentum and upset Purdue. Our pick is Miami (+270).
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Pick
Miami (+270)
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