Purdue and Miami kick off Sunday’s second-round schedule of the NCAA Tournament out in the West Region.
The Big Ten powerhouse and coach Matt Painter are aiming for a third straight Sweet 16 appearance after defeating Queens University, 104-71, in the Round of 64.
Meanwhile, first-year head coach Jai Lucas and the Hurricanes are looking to keep their magical season alive following an opening-round win over Missouri.
Tip-off for this No. 2 vs. No. 7 game is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET on CBS.
The Boilermakers are 7.5-point favorites on the spread, with the over/under set at 147.5 total points, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Miami vs. Purdue prediction, best bet
Braden Smith is the engine of this high-powered Purdue offense, which ranks first in adjusted efficiency in both the KenPom and Torvik rankings, respectively.
Smith is playing some of his best basketball down the stretch, averaging 10.8 assists over the last five games, including an 11-assist, zero-turnover performance in the Big Ten tournament final vs. Michigan.
Purdue gets off to fast starts, as the first half Over has hit in 16 of the last 25 Boilermaker games.
The Hurricanes will face some challenges in keeping him out of the paint, as Smith is one of the best at navigating the defense and then kicking it to an open man.
Miami’s top scorers, Malik Reneau and point guard Tre Donaldson, combined for 41 points in the Canes’ 80-66 first-round win over Missouri.
The game was tied at 54-54 until they outscored the Tigers, 26-12, late in the second half to secure the win.
Crashing the glass was crucial, as Ernest Udeh Jr.’s 10 rebounds helped Miami maintain a 46-30 advantage on the boards.
Betting on College Basketball?
They will have to channel that effort once again, facing a Boilermaker’s experienced frontcourt in Taylor Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff.
Overall, the Canes should pose a solid challenge to Purdue, but the 3-point line might be the deciding factor in this matchup.
Miami has struggled all season to defend beyond the arc, allowing opponents to shoot 35.4 percent from 3-point range, a common factor in its losses.
With the nation’s all-time assists leader leading the way, the Boilermakers’ offense should capitalize on open looks.
I’m predicting another quick start for Purdue and a high-scoring first 20 minutes of action.
The Play: 1st Half Over 68.5 total points (-115, bet365 Sportsbook)
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