Purdue continued their revenge tour with a 72-66 win over Tennessee in the Elite Eight. Meanwhile, NC State notched yet another upset victory against Duke to keep their incredible run alive. This sets up for a meeting of two teams who will look to get another historic win for their programs to punch their ticket to the National Championship.
Zach Edey put Purdue on his back again in the Elite Eight with 40 points and 16 rebounds. It’s no secret that getting the ball to Edey is almost their entire gameplan. The potential two time Player of the Year is the only Boilermaker to score more than 20 points in a game in this tournament. Purdue does have shooters, though, who they can rely on if Edey is, somehow, off his game. Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Mason Gillis are all shooting over 40% from deep this season. The Boilermakers have been one of the most complete teams the entire season, and will look to keep that momentum going to the National Championship.
NC State has probably been the best story of the tournament. The Wolfpack have now won 9 straight games and certainly have “Team of Destiny” vibes. America’s Sweetheart, DJ Burns, probably played the game of his life against Duke. The big man put up 29 points and had a very impressive jump shot. DJ Horn had a nice game too, going for 20 points and shot 2-6 from deep. This team has a few big men they can rotate to guard Edey and look to avoid foul trouble. Burns, Mohamed Diarra, and Ben Middlebrooks will be tasked with guarding the 7’ 4” giant. While none of them are as big as Edey, few are, they’re physicality could get him off his game. The Wolfpack are looking to advance to the Championship game for the first time since 1983.