In an exhilarating Final Four face-off, the Purdue Boilermakers decisively bested the NC State Wolfpack with a 63-50 win, earning them a coveted place in the National Championship game.
The game began with anticipation as Purdue’s towering center, Zach Edey, and NC State’s DJ Burns Jr. squared off at center court for the opening tip, which Purdue won. The initial minutes set the tone for what was to be a battle of offenses. Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn opened the scoring, catching a rebound and securing the first basket. On the opposite end, NC State’s initial efforts faltered, with a missed jumper by Burns Jr.
Purdue quickly built momentum, with Edey scoring through a hook shot to make it 4-0. The Boilermakers’ early dominance was briefly challenged when DJ Horn scored a layup for the Wolfpack. However, Purdue responded fiercely; Fletcher Loyer sank a three-pointer, followed by another from Lance Jones, pushing Purdue to a commanding 12-4 lead, forcing NC State to regroup during a timeout.
Emerging from the break, NC State found some rhythm with Michael O’Connell hitting a three-pointer, narrowing the gap. The two teams exchanged baskets, with Edey and Burns each contributing for their sides. Despite several turnovers from both teams, Purdue maintained a steady lead, highlighted by another three from Jones that extended the margin to 10 points as they approached the latter part of the first half.
The Boilermakers continued to press their advantage, with Edey sinking free throws to stretch the lead to 12 points. NC State’s Breon Pass initiated a mini-run to cut the deficit back to five, showing signs of life from the Wolfpack. However, Purdue ended the half strong, with Loyer’s three-pointer setting the halftime score at 35-29. Edey was a standout in the first half with 14 points and eight rebounds, while DJ Horne kept NC State in the game with 13 points.
The second half saw Purdue regain possession and immediately increase their lead, with Jones hitting an early three-pointer. As the half progressed, Purdue steadily built their lead. Kaufmann-Renn, Jones, and Mason Gillis contributed significant points, with Gillis’s three-pointer sparking a major reaction from the crowd, and another from Jones giving Purdue a 12-point lead. This prompted another timeout from NC State.
The Wolfpack managed to trim the lead with strategic plays and a focus on drawing fouls, but Purdue’s relentless offense proved too much. With less than seven minutes remaining, Edey’s jumper extended Purdue’s lead to 13, and successive three-pointers from the Boilermakers widened the gap to 18. Mason Gillis’s free throws later pushed the lead to 20, effectively sealing the victory.
Despite a late 7-point spree from NC State, the final buzzer confirmed Purdue’s 63-50 victory. Edey’s complete game performance of 20 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and four assists was monumental, reflecting both his skill and crucial role in Purdue’s success.
As Purdue looks forward to the National Championship game, their balanced attack and strategic depth have set a strong foundation for a potential title win. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute strategically will be key as they prepare for their final challenge of the season. This victory not only underscores their talent and teamwork but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to their tournament run.
