Who’s Playing
Miami (Fla.) @ Auburn
Regular Season Records: Miami (Fla.) 24-10; Auburn 28-5
What to Know
The Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes and the #8 Auburn Tigers are set to clash at 7:45 p.m. ET March 20 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Hurricanes came out on top in a nail-biter against the Southern California Trojans this past Friday, sneaking past 68-66. Miami (Fla.)’s success was spearheaded by the efforts of guard Isaiah Wong, who had 22 points, and guard Charlie Moore, who had 16 points. Wong’s performance made up for a slower contest against the Duke Blue Devils two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Auburn earned some postseason bragging rights after a successful outing this past Friday. They strolled past the Jacksonville State Gamecocks with points to spare, taking the game 80-61. The Tigers can attribute much of their success to forward Walker Kessler, who almost dropped a triple-double on 13 points, ten boards, and nine blocks, and forward Jabari Smith, who posted a double-double on 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Miami (Fla.) is expected to lose this next one by 7.5. However, those who like betting on the underdog should be happy to hear that they are 5-2 against the spread when expected to lose.
A couple defensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Miami (Fla.) has allowed their opponents to shoot 46.60% from the floor on average, which is the 17th highest shooting percentage allowed in college basketball. Auburn’s defense has more to brag about, as they they have been holding their opponents to a field goal percentage of 38.20%, which places them fourth in college basketball. So the cards are definitely stacked in their favor.
How To Watch
- When: Sunday at 7:45 p.m. ET
- Where: Bon Secours Wellness Arena — Greenville, South Carolina
- TV: tru TV
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds
The Tigers are a big 7.5-point favorite against the Hurricanes, according to the latest college basketball odds.
The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 7.5-point spread, and stayed right there.
Over/Under: -109
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Series History
This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last seven years.
