Miami Hurricanes Advance in NCAA Tournament

Hurricanes defeat Missouri 80-66 in Round of 64 despite inconsistent regular season

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:18am

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The Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team recently advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament with an 80-66 victory over Missouri. While the Hurricanes faced setbacks earlier in the season, their tournament performance showcases a team capable of both offensive firepower and vulnerability.

Why it matters

Miami's tournament run highlights the team's potential to make a deep postseason run, despite an inconsistent regular season marked by losses to top-tier opponents. The Hurricanes' ability to adapt their offensive strategy and rely on key players like Donaldson and Reneau will be crucial in determining their ultimate success.

The details

Miami's season has been characterized by inconsistency, reflected in their 4-6 record against KenPom Top 50 teams. Losses to Florida, BYU, and Clemson demonstrate struggles against top-tier competition, but victories against UNC, NC State, and SMU showcase their ability to compete and win when performing at their best. The Hurricanes' success hinges on the performance of Donaldson, whose shooting prowess was on display against Missouri, and Reneau, whose dominance in the paint provides a crucial inside presence. However, opponents like Purdue are likely to focus defensive efforts on Reneau, potentially disrupting Miami's offensive flow.

  • Miami defeated Missouri 80-66 on March 20, 2026 in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64.
  • Miami lost to Florida 82-68 on November 16, 2025.
  • Miami lost to BYU 72-62 on November 27, 2025.
  • Miami lost to Clemson 69-59 on January 17, 2026.
  • Miami defeated UNC 75-66 on February 10, 2026.

The players

Donaldson

A key player for the Miami Hurricanes, known for his shooting prowess, as exemplified by his 5-for-7 performance from three-point range against Missouri.

Reneau

A dominant presence in the paint for the Miami Hurricanes, scoring 24 points against Missouri. However, opponents like Purdue are likely to focus defensive efforts on Reneau, potentially disrupting Miami's offensive flow.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The upcoming matchup against Purdue presents a distinct challenge. Purdue's strategy centers around attacking the paint and utilizing open perimeter shots. Miami's vulnerability lies in its bench depth and susceptibility to foul trouble, particularly among its big men. If Purdue can exploit these weaknesses and draw fouls, it could significantly impact Miami's performance.

The takeaway

Despite the challenges, Miami possesses the talent and tactical flexibility to make a deep tournament run. Their ability to blend experienced players with promising freshmen creates a dynamic team capable of adapting to different opponents. However, consistency and minimizing foul trouble will be key factors in determining their ultimate success.