Norchad Omier details Miami's preparation for Indiana game

Norchad Omier recognized Miami would have to be on their game if they were to defeat Indiana in the Round of 32, and that’s exactly what the Hurricanes did.

Miami defeated the Hoosiers by a score of 85-69, ending the season of one of the hottest teams in the nation. Omier scored seven points, but more important was a monster on the boards, pulling down 17 rebounds — nine on defense, and eight on the offensive glass.

Additionally, star Isaiah Wong was his usual phenomenal self, scoring 27 points and grabbing eight rebounds as well in the victory, helping the Hurricanes advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Speaking with the media afterwards, Omier explained the Miami thought process entering Sunday’s game, and it’s safe to say it showed.

“I would say that nothing is given. We’ve got to come out and play,” Omier stated, speaking of his team’s mindset. “Preparing for this game, we know that IU was a really good team. Like they’re a really good team. So we had to come with our A-game.

“I think all my teammates knew that. We were on the same page, and we bring our A-game from the beginning.”

Moreover, Miami has another tall task in their path to the Final Four, as they’ll now face the top team in their region and one of the best teams in the entire country, the Houston Cougars.

Houston had an inconsistent weekend at the NCAA Tournament, first having more trouble than many expected in the Round of 64, letting Northern Kentucky hang around and only defeating the No. 16 seed by a score of 63-52. Then, the Cougars got off to a slow start against Auburn, as the Tigers led by ten entering halftime in the Round of 32.

However, Bruce Pearl’s squad saw their upset attempt go by the wayside in the second half, as Houston outscored Auburn by 27 to find victory after halftime. Now, Miami is hoping to put the final nail in the coffin of the Cougars.

Norchad Omier and the Hurricanes have the right mindset, and they’ll bring it to the court once again when they face Houston, Thursday at 7:15 p.m. ET on CBS. Miami is currently going off as a seven-point underdog, something they’ll for sure take exception to.