Miami Hurricanes: March Madness Preview
The Miami Hurricanes are back in the NCAA Tournament, and the excitement is palpable. It's their first appearance since the unforgettable Final Four run in 2023, and the team is ready to make waves again.
Head Coach Jai Lucas is looking to secure his first March Madness win as Miami prepares to face the No. 10 seed Missouri Tigers in St. Louis.
Tip-off is set for 10:10 PM ET, and fans are buzzing with anticipation.
How to Catch the Action
- TV: TruTV
- Local Radio: UM Sports Radio with Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey Jr.
- AM: 560 WQAM
- FM: 103.4 FM
- Online: Audacy App
- Sirius XM: Channel 84
For those who love an interactive experience, the CIS LIVE GAME THREAD will be up and running a few hours before the game.
Season Recap: Miami Hurricanes
Miami boasts a strong 25-8 record, with a KenPom ranking of 30. The Hurricanes have shown resilience throughout the season, with notable victories against teams like Pittsburgh, North Carolina, and Virginia Tech. They've had a few tough losses, but their overall performance has been impressive, setting the stage for a promising tournament run.
Matchup: Miami [7] vs. Missouri [10]
The Hurricanes enter the tournament as the No. 7 seed in the West Region, favored by 2.5 points according to FanDuel Sportsbook. They face a Missouri team that finished the season 20-12, averaging 79.7 points per game. Missouri's senior guard, Mark Mitchell, is a key player to watch, leading the Tigers with 18.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
If Miami advances, they'll face the winner of the Purdue-Queens matchup. History isn't on Miami's side in this pairing, as Missouri leads the all-time series 1-0, having won their last encounter in 2002.
Key Players for Miami
- Malik Reneau: A powerhouse on the court, Reneau leads Miami with 19.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. His All-ACC First Team selection highlights his impact this season.
- Tre Donaldson: Known for his playmaking abilities, Donaldson averages 16.8 points and 5.9 assists per game.
His All-ACC Second Team honor underscores his contributions.
- Ernest Udeh Jr.: A defensive stalwart, Udeh Jr. has been a force in the paint, earning a spot on the All-ACC Defensive Team with 41 blocks and a second-in-league rebounding average of 9.4 per game.
Historical Context
This marks Miami's 13th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Hurricanes have a 15-12 overall record in the Big Dance and are 7-5 in the first round. Notably, Miami has a perfect 2-0 record against SEC opponents in the tournament.
Postgame Coverage
Missed the game? No worries.
Check out the post-game show on the CIS YouTube Channel for highlights, player interviews, and expert analysis. You can also visit the CIS website for comprehensive coverage, including stats and key takeaways.
As the Hurricanes take the court, fans are hopeful for another thrilling chapter in Miami's basketball history. Here's to a memorable March Madness journey!