SAN JOSE, Calif. — Purdue’s return to Indiana won’t be the one it had hoped for. Rather than heading to Indianapolis for a Final Four appearance, the Boilermakers are going back to West Lafayette.
After falling 79-64 to top-seeded Arizona in the Elite Eight on Saturday, March 28 at SAP Center, Purdue (30-9) saw its tournament run come to an end. Instead of continuing its championship pursuit, the team now closes the chapter on the careers of three of its all-time great players arizona vs purdue…Read more
Purdue held a seven-point advantage at halftime, but Arizona took control in the second half with an impressive surge. Freshman Koa Peat led the charge, finishing with 20 points and seven rebounds.
arizona vs purdue Turning Point of the Game
In the first half, Purdue shot efficiently from beyond the arc, hitting 7 of 14 three-point attempts, including three late baskets to secure a 38-31 lead at the break.
However, arizona vs purdue responded by playing to its strengths. A three-pointer from Brayden Burries, combined with three close-range scores, fueled a stretch where the Wildcats made four consecutive shots. This sparked a quick 7-0 run in just 1:20, which expanded into an 18-5 surge. That momentum swing turned Purdue’s 40-33 lead into a 51-45 advantage for Arizona…Read more
Braden Smith’s Performance
Braden Smith recorded seven assists in the Elite Eight matchup, bringing his career total to an NCAA-record 1,103 assists.
Top Purdue Performers vs. Arizona
- Braden Smith: After a strong first half with 11 points and three three-pointers, Smith couldn’t maintain the same pace after halftime. He ended the game with 13 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
- Oscar Cluff: Needing a dominant presence on the boards, Cluff delivered with a team-high 14 points and 10 rebounds, including five offensive boards, securing a double-double.
- Gicarri Harris: The sophomore guard provided valuable energy in the first half and finished with eight points, four rebounds, and two steals arizona vs purdue.
