Miami players share challenges Indiana presents

Miami and Indiana will face off in one of Sunday’s most intriguing Round of 32 matchups in the NCAA Tournament. Both teams have high end talent but are also very flawed.

The Hoosiers are led by first-team All-American and national Player of the Year contender Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Norchad Omier is likely to get the matchup on Jackson-Davis, and knows he is in for a battle.

“Indiana is a really good team,” Omier said. “We know they’ve got Trayce Jackson-Davis. We know they come to him most every possession, and he’s going to be a big challenge for me.”

Jackson-Davis averages a double-double with 20.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game to go along with 4.1 assists per game and a 57.8% shooting percentage. In the opening round of the tournament, he had 24 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

Omier is excited for the matchup.

“I’m excited for it, if I’m being honest. I’m waiting for it. He’s a great player,” Omier said. “That’s all I can say about it.

Miami players add it is not just a one-man show for Indiana

Indiana may run much of offense through and around Trayce Jackson-Davis but Miami is not going to take the other players around him lightly.

Bensley Joseph said the Hoosiers play different than a lot of other teams, which presents challebges.

“I see a lot of their play style is unique,” Joseph said. “They like to give it to Trayce a lot, and they have perimeter shooters as well. So I feel like the challenge is taking away that paint and forcing them to do a lot of their weaknesses. I’m excited for this game tomorrow.”

Jalen Hood-Schifino is the second-best player on Indiana. The freshman is a dynamic guard who has become a running mate for Jackson-Davis this year.

However, he struggled against Kent State in the first round of the tournament, scoring only eight points on 4-of-11 shooting.

Race Thompson stepped up big time, however, scoring 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting and 6 of 8 from beyond the arc.

Harlond Beverly added that they are an all-around team.

“Like they said, they’re a really good team, great all around, good guards, great big man,” Beverly said. “We have to be ready for tomorrow.: