Glendale, Arizona – The Purdue Boilermakers made history today, securing a decisive victory over the NC State Wolfpack in a nail-biting Final Four matchup. The Boilermakers’ relentless offense and suffocating defense propelled them to a 63-50 win, earning them a coveted spot in the national championship game.
Purdue’s Star Power Shines
Purdue’s dominant big man, Zach Edey, once again proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with. The 7-foot-4 center racked up an impressive 20 points and 12 rebounds, extending his streak of NCAA Tournament games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds to six. This historic feat surpasses the legendary David Robinson for the most such games in the past 50 years.
Edey wasn’t the only Boilermaker to shine. Guard Fletcher Loyer delivered a clutch performance, sinking timely three-pointers to keep the Wolfpack at bay. Loyer finished the game with 15 points, showcasing his sharpshooting skills.
Boilermakers Defense Stifles Wolfpack
While Purdue’s offense was impressive, their defense stole the show. The Boilermakers held NC State’s leading scorer, DJ Horne, to just 20 points, well below his season average. Purdue’s aggressive man-to-man defense and help rotations forced the Wolfpack into tough shots and turnovers throughout the game.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
- Early Boilermaker Lead: Purdue came out firing on all cylinders, taking an early lead that they never relinquished. The Boilermakers’ hot start forced NC State to play catch-up for the rest of the game.
- Second Half Surge: The Wolfpack made a run early in the second half, closing the gap to single digits. However, Purdue responded with a series of back-breaking three-pointers, effectively halting NC State’s momentum.
- Edey’s Dominance: Zach Edey’s relentless presence in the paint proved too much for the Wolfpack to handle. His ability to score, rebound, and alter shots was a constant thorn in NC State’s side.
Looking Ahead to the National Championship
The Purdue Boilermakers will now face the winner of the UConn vs. Alabama matchup for the ultimate prize – the national championship title. Purdue’s balanced attack and tenacious defense make them a formidable opponent for any team.
