In a historic NCAA Tournament game, Purdue defeated Tennessee with a score of 72-66, advancing to the men's Final Four for the first time since 1980. Zach Edey delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring 40 points (13/21 FG, 14/22 FT) and grabbing 16 rebounds, marking one of the most dominant displays in the tournament's recent memory. His efforts were complemented by Dalton Knecht from Tennessee, who also put up a remarkable fight with 37 points, including 6/12 from the three-point line. The game was not only a showcase of individual brilliance but also a testament to Purdue's resilience, finally breaking through to the Final Four after a long wait, under the guidance of coach Matt Painter. Edey's performance was particularly notable, becoming the 4th player with at least 40 points and 15 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game over the last 60 seasons, joining the ranks of college basketball legends.
Zach Edey, Purdue outlast Tennessee to reach long-sought Final Four https://t.co/fP3ZkabBvq
Zach Edey goes big and sends Purdue to first Final Four since 1980 with a 72-66 win over Tennessee https://t.co/Ryy3tOkc5v
The Final Four https://t.co/5zK2gtxOIY
Zach Edey drops F-bomb on TV in emotional March Madness moment after Purdue reaches Final Four https://t.co/BHZQoAUVxL https://t.co/HmcfyYKzKA
Final Four https://t.co/Ycmx6HctK6
Hereโs Purdue insider โฆ@samueltking on Zach Edeyโs 'all-time performance from an all-time player,' that lifted the Boilers to the Final Four. https://t.co/KP56tYUvUo
Zach Edey dropped an F-bomb after Purdue advanced to Final Four https://t.co/mfs54aGI7x
NEW on https://t.co/jM0EBtdhaP: Zach Edey puts the Boilers on his broad shoulders and leads Purdue to its first Final Four in 44 years. After all those years of frustration and heartache, the Boilers have a shot at the national championship. https://t.co/9hpQcmxgfc
Zach Edey refused to lose, carried Purdue to the Final Four https://t.co/avoYbfwuCy
The NCAA men's Final Four is set with N.C. State, Purdue, Alabama and Connecticut. https://t.co/UbJ6ne8KOm
Final Four. https://t.co/fGeYSzl0Bn
The menโs Final Four is set: North Carolina State, Purdue, Connecticut and Alabama will compete for a national championship https://t.co/Jd3XpfJ7pB
Purdue big man Zach Edey scored a career-high 40 points to muscle the Boilermakers into the programโs first Final Four since 1980 with a 72-66 victory over Tennessee. https://t.co/5AI8YfxajR
FINAL FOUR BOUND ๐๏ธ https://t.co/nsvb3DfgfJ
THE FINAL FOUR IS SET https://t.co/ZGFRhcHInZ
Purdue is Heading to First Final Four in Over 30 Years https://t.co/5pBndVo3EL https://t.co/jAeGfzgy7w
Toronto's Zach Edey leads Purdue to 1st Final 4 since 1980 with career-high 40 points vs. Tennessee https://t.co/DqmNpBFKDA
Zach Edey didnโt need the ladder to cut the net. ๐คฃ (via @MarchMadnessMBB) https://t.co/ooyZgj6hsw
Zach Edey's 40 points help Purdue take down Tennessee to reach Final Four https://t.co/qzTo4mPvOE
Zach Edey scored 40 points as Purdue powered past Tennessee to advance to its first men's Final Four since 1980. @joerexrode has more โคต๏ธ https://t.co/TscFkvgWNW
Zach Edey scored 40 points as Purdue powered past Tennessee to advance to its first men's Final Four since 1980 @joerexrode has more โคต๏ธ https://t.co/TscFkvgWNW
Zach Edey carries Purdue to Final Four with March Madness win over Tennessee #MarchMadness https://t.co/1LWdAChM3K https://t.co/vn0VzAcrT6
Zach Edey had himself a game en route to helping @BoilerBall clinch their spot in the Final Four. ๐๏ธ https://t.co/B60WQakeKb
Zach Edey doesnโt need the ladder. ๐ https://t.co/04a51TROsF https://t.co/TlWE0kpu7x
Zach Edey carries Purdue to first Final Four since 1980 with March Madness win over Tennessee https://t.co/yZXxKYWX17 https://t.co/ncID1Hs1NV
'We're Fucking Winners' - Purdue's Final Four Demons Are Gone, Zach Edey Cemented Himself As A College Hoops Legend https://t.co/LCUDBKNL41 https://t.co/8tCSVT5i6S
Purdue's Zach Edey doesn't need a ladder to cut down a piece of the net ๐ https://t.co/rTSiw737YL
PURDUE ADVANCES ๐จ The No. 1 Boilermakers are heading to the menโs Final Four for the first time since 1980 after a 72-66 win over No. 2 Tennessee. Zach Edey led the way with a career-high 40 points. @BoilerBall | #MarchMadness https://t.co/in8cCafntx
Zach Edey is so tall he doesnโt need a ladder ๐คฃ ๐ฅ: @CBSSports https://t.co/uyC4VJxqDZ
Zach Edey didn't even need the ladder to cut down the net ๐ญ @BoilerUpload (via @CBSSports) https://t.co/vZqCGptZrf
No ladder needed for Zach Edey ๐คฃ https://t.co/UMP42mpvMa
The wait is over. Purdue defeats Tennessee for its first trip to Final Four since 1980 https://t.co/FaGHur5k31 via @USATODAY
Edey didn't even need a ladder to cut the net down. ๐ญ (๐ฅ: @CBSSports) https://t.co/wjK5Spq37N
Purdue powers past Tennessee to advance to first Final Four since 1980; initial story with more to come. https://t.co/bm6F36mxBz
Purdue clinches Final Four berth after thrilling win over Tennessee that was a brutal battle from the start. Zach Edey was the difference maker, and the center of attention from an officiating standpoint, while Vols went cold too many times. Read: https://t.co/w0V59tJEnb https://t.co/z6gFx776Rw
Zach Edey didn't even need the ladder ๐คฃ #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/YxcfmVOvxa
The wait is over. Purdue defeats Tennessee for its first trip to Final Four since 1980 https://t.co/76v4Kq8QS0
ZACH EDEY PUTS PURDUE ON HIS BACK & THEY'RE OFF TO THE FINAL FOUR! ๐ค They take down Tennessee 72-66 ๐ช โ PUR -3.5 โ U 148.5 https://t.co/ThClXXjbiZ
Zach Edey doesn't need a ladder to cut the net down ๐ https://t.co/U7EygyqVtJ
Purdue in the Final 4! https://t.co/95BY8lr9W4
Zach Edey did NOT hold back after sending Purdue to the Final Four ๐ค https://t.co/blHWYCU8Xb
What it means to @BoilerBall fans ๐ซถ #MarchMadness https://t.co/gS44xM3Hp2
Purdue's Zach Edey doesn't need a ladder to cut down a piece of the net ๐ (via @GreggDoyelStar) https://t.co/yeLZDIZstU
Zach Edey doesnโt need a ladder
Zach Edey does not need a ladder to cut his portion of the Final Four net. https://t.co/I3nUs2BWVl
40 PTS 16 REB 1 CLUTCH BLOCK Zach Edey was ELITE today for @BoilerBall https://t.co/ty91g2sHEN
Zach Edey donโt need no stinking ladder!!! https://t.co/5FizqG1Lbk
TAKE IT ALL IN, PURDUE FANS ๐ #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/RR3WVwGlVc
Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Zach Edey is the first player with 40 points, 15 rebounds and 60% field-goal shooting in an NCAA tournament game since Houston's Elvin Hayes against Loyola Chicago in the 1968 First Round. Just an all-time great performance.
PURDUE REACHES ITS FIRST FINAL FOUR SINCE 1980! ๐ ๐ฅ @MarchMadnessMBB https://t.co/2FpVYqYD6B
Zach Edey just played the most dominant #NCAATournament game since...? Classic game. Epic performance: 40 points, 16 rebounds and a clutch block. Purdue beats Tennessee for first #FinalFour trip in 44 years. So happy for all Boilermaker fans, friends and family members. #BoilerUp
Absolutely thrilled for Matt Painter for finally getting the Final Four monkey off #Purdueโs back. Runs a great program, does it the right way and is one of the true good guys in college sports.
Zach Edey and Dalton Knecht put on a show in their Elite Eight matchup ๐ ๐ฅ https://t.co/QCbhlax3vZ
Purdue is headed to the final four https://t.co/2RMF4PXNAe
Purdue is headed to the FINAL FOUR!!! https://t.co/arDUrZBYKa
Zach Edey's historic season continues ๐ https://t.co/g1xp2LQCYY
Big Ten still has a chance to end its national championship drought. Purdue first Final Four since 1980. Matt Painter was in elementary school. #Congrats #Boilermakers #MarchMadness
Zach Edey and the Boilermakers are headed to the Final Four ๐ซก https://t.co/9XMsSf87WC
Happy for Matt Painter and Purdue. Been really good for a really long time and finally found a way to break through. First Final Four since 1980. Special stuff. https://t.co/M9tI3iCjVv
Purdue is heading to the Final Four for the first time since 1980 ๐ฅ @Covers_Ro cashes โ https://t.co/wB4WP0Ahmu https://t.co/gznd0Ih5EB
The Boilermakers are Final Four bound. ๐ https://t.co/zMOMDLvNhO
PURDUE TAKES DOWN TENNESSEE TO ADVANCE TO THE FINAL FOUR. Zach Edey dropped 40 PTS (career-high) & 16 REB ๐ฑ https://t.co/tpw9as7Von
ZACH EDEY WENT OFF! ๐ฅ ๐ช @zach_edey x @BoilerBall https://t.co/Ism3cBKO7a
PURDUE ADVANCES TO THE FINAL FOUR FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1980! ๐ #MarchMadness https://t.co/CtT6206WbI
Purdueโs Zach Edey is the 4th player with 40 points and 15 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game over the last 60 seasons, along with Bo Kimble in 1990, Elvin Hayes in 1968, and Bill Bradley in 1965.
PURDUE TO THE FINAL FOUR FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1980 https://t.co/6HBg1021JI
Dalton Knecht vs. Zach Edey was an instant classic ๐ฟ Knecht: 37 PTS, 6/12 3PT Edey: 40 PTS, 16 REBS 4th 40-point performance by a Boilermaker in an NCAA Tournament game ๐คฏ https://t.co/Szjs6kAMgu
Zach Edey and Purdue into the Final Four, and what a fitting performance for the soon-to-be Wooden Award winner. 40 points. Critical block on Dalton Knecht in the final minutes. Turning Tennesseeโs bigs into three piles of rubble. Next up? The winner of Duke and NC State.
THE BOILERMAKERS ARE BACK IN THE FINAL FOUR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 44 YEARS ๐ฑ #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/vfoXAXDCf0
PURDUE PUNCHES THEIR TICKET TO THE FINAL FOUR! ๐ค๐ โ PUR -3.5 โ U 148.5 https://t.co/8KkJ32YGI8
Zach Edey went BEAST MODE as he leads Purdue to the Final Four for the first time since 1980 ๐ฅ 40 points 13-of-21 FG 16 rebounds 14-of-22 FT https://t.co/Xh1Yyp01YF
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1980, @BoilerBall ARE GOING TO THE FINAL FOUR https://t.co/CsijOa93sS
Projected lottery pick Zach Edey silences the doubters with one of the all time best performances in NCAA tournament history. 40 points (13/21 FG, 14/22 FT), 16 rebounds and outstanding defense helping Purdue advance to the Final Four. https://t.co/RqnmG07TIR
WELCOME TO THE #MFINALFOUR @BoilerBall ๐ #MarchMadness https://t.co/9GZVp9imRB
40-BALL EDEY AND PURDUE IS FINAL FOUR BOUND. ๐ค https://t.co/dvxNsvwWxu
After losing the last 3 years to a 13 seed, a 15 seed and a 16 seed, Purdue is headed to its 1st Final Four since 1980 https://t.co/jx14BVL9Xj
In today's game, Zach Edey scored 55.6% (40/72) of Purdue's points while Dalton Knecht scored 56.1% (37/66) of Tennessee's points. It's the first time that two opposing players have scored at least half of their team's points in the same NCAA Tournament game. https://t.co/462zdccGST
Zach Edey went OFF today: 40 POINTS 16 REBOUNDS 13/21 FG ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ https://t.co/0ECl0NPeJ1
Zach Edey today: 40 points 16 rebounds 13/21 FGM 14/22 FTM https://t.co/0CWnIye87D
40 points for Zach Edey. Letโs get that Purdue vs. UCONN game.
PURDUE IS HEADED TO THE FINAL FOUR https://t.co/Bt79wSWSth
They Purdid it. Purdueโs headed to the Final Four for the first time in damn near half a century. Edeyโs a DAWG
Purdue beats Tennessee 72-66, advances to the Final Four. Zach Edey had 40 points and 16 rebounds. #MarchMadness
Dalton Knecht vs. Zach Edey was an instant classic ๐ฟ Knecht: 35 PTS, 6/12 3PT Edey: 40 PTS, 16 REBS 4th 40-point performance by a Boilermaker in an NCAA Tournament game ๐คฏ https://t.co/Kdj1IqvOwk
Zach Edey with THE block to send Purdue to its first Final Four in nearly half-a-century. An all-time NCAA tournament performance by the big man. A 40-point show punctuating the greatest March Madness run by a Canadian ever. And it's not even close. #OurGame
Been watching this March Madness thing for a long, long time. Zach Edey just had one of the most dominant performances Iโve ever seen. Happy for my Purdue friends. Final Four trip has been a long time coming.
Happy for Matt Painter. Loved how Edey immediately ran to him to give a big hug. Purdue's first Final Four since 1980.
They did it, they did it!!!! For the 1st time since 1980, Purdue is going to the Final Four. So happy for Matt Painter, for @pj_thompson11, for the fans, for the best SID @Chris_Forman12 and mostly so happy coach Gene Keady is along for the ride. Boiler ๐ https://t.co/Gp9HVwucQk
(1) Purdue defeats (2) Tennessee and is Final Four bound! Their first Final Four appearance since 1980. https://t.co/j25VFuPXAv
FINAL: Purdue 72, Tennessee 66 ... Great effort for Vols. Tough finish to a great season. Zach Edey had 40 points. Dalton Knecht had 37.
Zach Edey finishes with a career-high 40 points and 16 boards. Played all but 33 seconds. Has a huge block to seal Purdueโs first Final 4 appearance since 1980. But yeah, sure - he is overrated. Cโmon, people.
MATT PAINTER REACHES HIS FIRST FINAL FOUR AT PURDUE ๐ It's the first Final Four for Purdue since 1980. https://t.co/OiMxwdEn72
Final Four bound: #Purdue takes down Tennesee 72-66. First Final Four appearance since 1980
PURDUE IS HEADED TO THE FINAL FOUR FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1980 ๐ฅ https://t.co/qWdnxIPtBd
Zach Edey and Purdue to all the haters after punching a ticket to the Final Four. https://t.co/ffDjqD4vVd
PURDUE IS HEADED TO THE FINAL FOUR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 40 YEARS ๐ https://t.co/xYXwgRcxhE
Purdue BEATS Tennessee to advance to the Final Four๐ Zach Edey: 40 PTS, 16 REB๐ฅ https://t.co/epZIXOHJzM https://t.co/zjGAGuoi93
Purdue defeats Tennessee and advances to the men's Final Four for the first time since 1980 โผ๏ธ Zach Edey in the win: โฝ๏ธ 40 points โฝ๏ธ 16 rebounds https://t.co/lDx0FPB9Bh
First Purdue Final Four since: https://t.co/swF9EkxZQl
Purdue breaks through and finally returns to the Final Four. Boilers take down Tennessee, 72-66. Edey finishes with 40 points and 16 boards. He hits 14 of 22 FTs; Tenn just 7 of 11 at the line. Knecht with 37 for the Vols.
Purdue first Final Four since 1980 in Indy. Zach Edey 40, 16 and a monster block. https://t.co/HFos37RYA1
EDEY JUST ATE THAT SHOT @boilerball https://t.co/TQt5EA5seF
ZACH EDEY STUFFS DALTON KNECHT ๐ค https://t.co/VTs73Q50oM
ZACH EDEY WITH A MASSIVE BLOCK โ https://t.co/ZTmJgSs6yV
ZACH EDEY REJECTS DALTON KNECHT AT THE RIM. WOW. #MarchMadness https://t.co/QP1fRsoNcU
Zach Edey is HYPE ๐ค #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/OjlAfzHkzf
Purdue 68-62 lead with 1:28 left. Edey with more made FTs (12) than attempts for Tennessee (11).
Purdue 68, #Vols 62, 1:28/2ndH. Timeout, Tennessee.
ZACH EDEY HAS SCORED THE LAST 14 FOR PURDUE ๐ฑ TAKE. OVER. #MarchMadness https://t.co/RzgcPjwOjs
Low-scoring game: Purdue 59-58 with 3:56 left Dalton Knecht: 31 for Tennessee Zach Edey: 32 for Purdue
Purdue 59, #Vols 58, 3:56/2ndH. Zach Edey to the FT line for two more after this media timeout on the floor. Fouls this half: Tennessee 10, Purdue 3
Purdue 59, #Vols 53, 3:56/2ndH. Zach Edey to the FT line for two more after this media timeout on the floor. Fouls this half: Tennessee 10, Purdue 3
7-0 run for the Boilermakers! #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/JWGsXVYic3
Purdue 44, #Vols 40, 15:52/2ndH. Dalton Knecht to the FT line for two after this media timeout on the floor.
Zach Edey on track for second 30-and-20 game of the tournament. Hadn't been done by ANYONE since 1994. He might do it twice in 10 days. Has 19 points and 10 rebounds at halftime Purdue leads Tennessee 36-34
Purdue took Tennessee's best shot so far. Managed to erase double digit deficit to lead at halftime. Both stars Edey and Knecht have come to play. Entertaining Elite Eight matchup. #MarchMadness
Purdue 36, Tennessee 34 at halftime. Fantastic 20 minutes. Zach Edey has been titanic: 19 points and 10 rebounds. Dalton Knecht has been electric: 18 points.
Purdue's Zach Edey has a quiet 19 points and 9 rebounds with 14.8 seconds left in the half. Seems quiet anyway. He's that good. Score tied 34-34, Tennessee ball. Braden Smith: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Final Four bound. https://t.co/szMF41X2iC
Edey gives the lead back to the Boilermakers ๐ #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/7qPdxzZOhu
Zach Edey making it look easy ๐ฎโ๐จ #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/mrGqgM9vwc
#Vols 32, Purdue 21, 5:11/1stH. Another Knecht three โย he's got 16 points โ and Purdue calls timeout.
Caption this Zach Edey photo ๐ https://t.co/284pBjJCXg
Two quick Dalton Knecht threes, and #Vols have a 17-12 lead.
Edey being Edey ๐ @zach_edey x @BoilerBall (via @MarchMadnessMBB) https://t.co/glYnr0ml4x
Edey is flexing early ๐ค #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/cPhfQEjkwP
Final Four bound https://t.co/7M8uEWDElC
Purdue is so much more than just Zach Edey https://t.co/KMetBAdRmO
Purdue big man Zach Edey withstood all the abuse Gonzaga could lay on him Friday night, finishing with 27 points and 14 rebounds to lift the Boilermakers to an 80-68 victory and move them one win from the Final Four. https://t.co/ICh3XOvwgS
Sweet 16 nets another big win for Purdue and big man Zach Edey, 80-68 over Gonzaga https://t.co/rFeL32KNas
Purdue big man Zach Edey withstood all the abuse Gonzaga could lay on him, finishing with 27 points and 14 rebounds to lift the Boilermakers to an 80-68 victory over the Bulldogs in the Sweet 16. https://t.co/iHlYJdmhCz
Purdue center Zach Edey 16 points and 8 rebounds in second half. He's 6-for-8 from floor. And he's nodding and HOOTING after these baskets. 27 and 14 for game
Braden Smith now has 14 points and 15 assists ๐ฎ #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/FFANdZ2Ntu
Braden Smith: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 15 assists Zach Edey: 20 points, 14 rebounds Purdue: 5 FTA, 9-for-20 on 3's Boilers beating Gonzaga 69-57, 6:36 left
Gonzaga made a run but #Purdue answered. 61-53, 9:49 left Braden Smith 13 assists Paint points were even at halftime. Purdue 16-4 in 2nd half
Braden Smith: 12 points, 13 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 turnovers. Dominating this game. Purdue 61-53 with 9:49 left. https://t.co/DpK4IYdrFY
Boilermakers hit the GAS! ๐ฅโฝ๏ธ @BoilerBall (via @MarchMadnessMBB) https://t.co/eLobucGr4H
Couple stats: Early second half, Gonzaga has as many FTA (3) as Purdue. Braden Smith has 8 points, 3 rebounds and 10 assists with 18 minutes left.
Zach Edey AND-๐๐ฅ https://t.co/uLbzBh4uDY
Zach Edey and-one ๐ค #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/lBmP9MQu0o
Incredible back and forth action in the first half. #Gonzaga and #Purdue all tied at 33-33 with 3:09 remaining. Boilermakers have been sizzling from the 3-point line (7 for 13).
Edey checking back in for #Purdue with 6:19 left in the half. #Gonzaga leads 29-28. Anton Watson with 10 pts. for Zags, Graham Ike with 7 pts. and 5 reb., Ryan Nembhard with 8 pts. and 4 ast. https://t.co/GZedLiIi7t
Edey getting busy early ๐ช #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/V8vMaGzBqt