NCAA BASKETBALL: Fletcher Loyer, Purdue outlast Miami to advance to Sweet 16

ST. LOUIS — Fletcher Loyer was the model of efficiency on Sunday, scoring a game-high 24 points on just seven shot attempts to lift second-seeded Purdue to a 79-69 win over seventh-seeded Miami in the second round of the NCAA Tournament's West Region.

Loyer made 6 of 7 shots from the field, including all four of his 3-point attempts, and was perfect from the free-throw line with eight makes. The victory sends Purdue (29-8) to the regional semifinals on Thursday against 11th-seeded Texas (21-14).

"To score 24 points on just seven shots is off the charts," said Purdue coach Matt Painter, who recorded his 500th win in 21 seasons at his alma mater.

"I think it's just putting in a lot of work, putting in a lot of time and trusting myself," Loyer said.

Trey Kaufman-Renn added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Boilermakers, who shot 25 of 47 from the field and 21 of 22 from the free-throw line. C.J. Cox contributed 11 points before leaving early in the second half with a hyperextended knee.

Purdue won without a typical performance from senior point guard Braden Smith. The NCAA's career assist leader in Friday's opening-round game made just 3 of 12 shots and scored 12 points while committing eight turnovers, though he also dished out eight assists.

"The first thing was I wanted to start and I wanted to put some size on him," said Miami coach Jai Lucas. "Really, watching all the games I haven't seen anybody with size guard him."

For the Hurricanes (26-9), freshman Shelton Henderson led the way with 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Malik Reneau scored 16 points, Tre Donaldson added 13 on 4-of-15 shooting, and Tru Washington contributed 11 off the bench.

Miami led 40-38 at halftime, but Purdue’s defense tightened in the second half. The Hurricanes made just 11 of 30 shots after the break and committed seven of their 12 turnovers.

Kaufman-Renn’s mid-range jumper with 3:50 left put Purdue ahead 72-61. Miami cut the lead to 73-69 on a Washington putback with 57.7 seconds remaining, but Smith sealed the win by hitting four consecutive free throws in the final minute.

Despite being outrebounded 33-25 and allowing 14 offensive boards, Purdue limited Miami to just 13 points off those second-chance opportunities.

"It was a tough one, a tough one," Lucas said. "It was a 10-point game but felt a lot closer."

—Bucky Dent, Field Level Media/Reuters