Miami Falls to Second-Seeded Purdue in Second Round

ST. LOUIS– The University of Miami men’s basketball team had its season come to an end Sunday as it fell to No. 2 seed Purdue, 79-69, in the NCAA Tournament Second Round inside the Enterprise Center.

The Hurricanes finished its historic season under first-year head coach Jai Lucas with a 26-9 ledger.

Miami jumped out to a 10-6 lead three and half minutes into the game following a Shelton Henderson layup before Purdue (29-8) went on a 13-2 run as Fletcher Loyer scored 10 of the Boilermakers’ 13 points.

The Hurricanes cut the lead to two before going on a 9-0 run to take a seven-point advantage, 36-29, with just over two minutes remaining. Purdue’s C.J. Cox then hit three 3-pointers on Purdue’s final three possessions to tie the game as Tre Donaldson hit a runner just outside the lane to end the half, giving Miami a 40-38 advantage at the break.

After a Malik Reneau layup to start the second half, the Boilermakers went on a 9-0 to take a 47-42 advantage. Purdue continued to lead throughout the second stanza and led by as many as 11 with 5:32 remaining.

The Canes were able to cut the lead to four, 73-69, following a Tru Washington layup before Purdue hit their final six free throw attempts to seal the win.

Henderson finished the game with a team-high 18 points on 9-of-11 shooting to go along with eight rebounds as Reneau added 16 and Donaldson had 13. Washington registered 11 points and Ernest Udeh Jr. hauled in seven rebounds.