AUSTIN, TX – With all the craziness and unpredictability across the field of 68, Miami helped ensure that at least one region unfolded the way its seeding dictated it should.
By squeaking out a 63-59 victory over 7th-seeded Illinois, the Hurricanes became the latest of the top-four seeded teams in the East Region to reach the Sweet Sixteen, which Miami had not done since 2000. They will be joined by top-seed Indiana, 3rd-seeded Marquette, and 4th-seeded Syracuse. The Golden Eagles will provide Miami’s opposition on Thursday from Washington, D.C.
Rion Brown scored a game-high 21 points off the bench for the victorious Hurricanes, helping to neutralize rare off-nights by both Shane Larkin and Kenny Kadji, who shot a combined 9-for-23 from the field. Brandon Paul led Illinois with 18, while Nnanna Egwu had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Miami’s victory also means three Florida-based schools have reached the Sweet Sixteen in the same season for the first time ever, joined by Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University.
Wayne Larrivee and Reid Gettys called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(Griffey red-hot from the outside as Illini take 16-12 lead)
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(Rion Brown nails a trey as Hurricanes go on top by one)
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(Paul beats the buzzer as Illinois cuts deficit to three at the half)
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(Illini carry momentum into second half, as Abrams throws it down for lead)
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(Hurricanes go on a run, as Brown strikes again to put Miami up 46-39)
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(Illinois responds, as Paul throws it down to grab 54-52 lead)
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(Down by one, Shane Larkin shakes off shooting woes to bury huge three)
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(Miami hangs on for victory, and are off to the Sweet Sixteen)
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(Postgame interview with Miami’s Rion Brown)
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(Austin wrap-up with Wayne Larrivee and Reid Gettys)
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For our complete NCAA Tournament schedule, CLICK HERE.
