Title Game Matchup is Set as Purdue and UConn Cruise

04/06/2024

Purdue got one step closer to avenging an incredible upset in the first round of last year’s tournament, taking down this year’s Cinderella NC State with a 63-50 victory. The Boilermakers controlled the game wire to wire, as even a late first half push by the Wolfpack only closed the halftime deficit to six. They’ll face UConn in the National Championship on Monday night after the Huskies withstood a few runs by Alabama before eventually pulling away to finish with a 86-72 victory.

Purdue used outstanding offensive rebounding in the first half to take an early lead capped off at one point by this three by Lance Jones.

NC State tried to get back in it late in the first half thanks to this run, and wound up going into the break down six.

But the Boilermakers were not to be denied, and late threes like this bucket by Fletcher Loyer put Purdue ahead for good.

After the game, our crew spoke to Purdue’s Lance Jones and head coach Matt Painter:

In the nightcap, Alabama traded runs with UConn throughout the first and early second half, with neither team able to put the other away. But when the threes wouldn’t fall for the Crimson Tide, UConn was able to wear them down and close out the game with consistent scoring on offense and some key Clingan blocks on defense.

Clingan finished off a UConn run in the first half that showed how quickly the Huskies can score in transition, slamming it home for a 33-31 lead:

Not to be outdone, Alabama’s Mark Sears hit a bucket at the first half buzzer to keep his team within 4:

Alabama’s Grant Nelson made a highlight play for the ages, somehow managing to flush it home over Donovan Clingan midway through the second half:

But without many threes falling, UConn began to pull away and Kevin Kugler had the final call as the Huskies’ win sets up a matchup of the big men between UConn’s Donovan Clingan and Purdue’s Zach Edey:

Following the win, UConn’s Stephon Castle spoke to our Andy Katz courtside:

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