Purdue Advances to Sweet 16 After Defeating Miami

Boilermakers will face Texas in the next round of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:29pm

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Purdue defeated Miami 79-69 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament. The Boilermakers will advance to the Sweet 16 for the third year in a row and fourth time in five years. Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn led Purdue's scoring effort, while Braden Smith struggled but still contributed 8 assists. Shelton Henderson and Malik Reneau were the top scorers for Miami in the losing effort.

Why it matters

Purdue has established itself as a national title contender in recent years, making deep runs in the NCAA tournament. This win over Miami keeps the Boilermakers' championship hopes alive as they advance to the Sweet 16 to face an 11th-seeded Texas team that has been playing the role of Cinderella so far.

The details

Purdue built a double-digit lead in the second half thanks to strong performances from Loyer and Kaufman-Renn, who stepped up with Smith struggling. Miami kept the game close in the first half and even led by 2 at halftime, but Purdue's supporting cast was too much in the end.

  • Purdue defeated Miami on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Braden Smith

Purdue's veteran leader and NCAA all-time assist leader, who struggled in the game but still contributed 8 assists.

Fletcher Loyer

Purdue guard who scored 24 points and shot 4-of-4 from 3-point range to lead the Boilermakers' offense.

Trey Kaufman-Renn

Purdue forward who scored 19 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to provide a strong interior presence.

Shelton Henderson

Miami guard who scored 18 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in the losing effort.

Malik Reneau

Miami forward who scored 16 points and added 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

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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

Purdue will face 11th-seeded Texas in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament.

The takeaway

Purdue's depth and supporting cast stepped up when star player Braden Smith struggled, allowing the Boilermakers to advance to the Sweet 16 for the third year in a row. This win keeps Purdue's national title hopes alive as they prepare to face a surging Texas team in the next round.