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In a matchup of the 4th vs 5th seed in the Midwest region of the NCAA Tournament bracket, Miami Hurricanes are set to face off against Indiana Hoosiers with a chance to play top-seeded Houston in the Sweet 16. The game will tip-off at 8:40 EST, with Indiana favored by 1.5 points in the matchup.
Indiana went 23-11 in the regular season and took down Kent State 71-60 in the opening round. It was an impressive showing in which the Hoosiers led from start to finish and pushed the lead to as many as 16.
They are led in scoring by Trayce Jackson-Davis, who averaged 20.8 points per game on an efficient 57.8% shooting while adding 10.9 rebounds and 41. assists this season. Freshman guard Jalen Hood-Schifino also adds 13.5 points per game and 4.1 rebounds and is eyeing an NBA opportunity at the end of the season.
Indiana averages 75.3 points per game and ranks 12th in the country in field-goal percentage (48.9%). They can also hit from beyond the arc, shooting 37.6% on the season, good for 28th in the league. In terms of adjusted offensive efficiency, Indiana ranks 28th and 42nd in adjusted defensive efficiency. They allow 68.5 points per game, which ranks 131st in the country.
Miami enters this game with some momentum after a come-from-behind victory over Drake in the first round. Despite trailing throughout the first half, Miami rallied to win 63-56.
Miami FL vs Indiana Prediction:
Norchard Omier's health is a huge factor that has swung things in Miami's favor. The 6-foot-7 forward suffered a right ankle injury in the ACC Tournament, putting his March Madness prospects in jeopardy. Omier was able to suit up for the first game and looked like himself. In this matchup, he will most likely be tasked with taking Trayce Jackson-Davis' defensive responsibility.
Whichever of these big men wins the matchup will have a significant impact on their team's chances of winning. Omier has dealt with tougher opponents all season, but the four-time All-Big Ten selection could cause him some trouble.
This is another game that should be expected to come down to the wire, but take the Hurricanes to pull off a slight upset. The backcourt trio of Isaiah Wong, Jordan Miller, and Nigel Pack will give Indiana trouble as each player averages 13.4 points per game. Wong shot just 1-10 in the first-round matchup and will be hungry to put forth an improved performance.
The big-man matchup should be frightening for Miami, but their guard trio is experienced and talented and will make the difference in this one.
Guess the Lakers players!
