Miami upsets Auburn in NCAA Tournament, advances to Sweet 16

Miami pulled off its second upset of the NCAA Tournament, knocking off 2-seed Auburn 79-61 to advance to the Sweet 16. The Hurricanes relied on solid defense, ball security and highlight plays to survive and advance.

The Hurricanes were led by Isaiah Wong with 21 points, followed by Kameron McGusty with 20. Point guard Charlie Moore, who head coach Jim Larranaga had high praise for, added 15 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

They did well to contain projected top-three NBA Draft pick Jabari Smith, putting him on the wrong side of two highlight plays throughout the night. He finished with just 10 points, shooting 3-of-16 from the field and 1-of-8 from the 3-point line.

Miami’s upset win over Auburn places them in the second weekend and sets up a Sweet 16 matchup against 11-seed Iowa State after its upset win over Wisconsin. The schedule for that game and others will be released by the NCAA on Sunday night.

Jim Larranaga on beating Auburn

After the Hurricanes’ big win, Larranaga showed up for his on-court interview with his guard Charlie Moore by his side and excitedly explained how he felt his team earned their trip to the school’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2016.

“Well we started last summer putting in a new defense called the ‘Scramble’ and these guys did it to perfection today,” said Larranaga. “Turnovers and fast break opportunities coming off our defense. So, very very proud of them. Very happy moment.”

Larranaga was then asked how it felt being able to get over their disappointing season last year and making it this far in the NCAA Tournament.

“Well we were healthy,” answered Larranaga. “We weren’t healthy last year. We had six scholarship players most of the season. But now, with this guy [Charlie Moore] quarterbacking us — can I call you Chris Paul? He is for us our Chris Paul.”

“That sounds great! We’re going to Chicago coach,” responded Moore as he took over the interview. “Sounds great. I’m happy, I’m excited we got the win. Auburn played hard, it was a hard-fought game. We just played together, I’m just happy for the team. All the hard work we put in, all season, it comes together. It’s our first year together really. We built a bond — a special bond, I love those guys to death.”