In a pivotal Final Four matchup, Purdue extended its lead to 18 points against NC State with just 3:12 remaining in the game, showcasing a dominant performance despite a less than stellar overall game, leading to a final score of Boilermakers 63, Wolfpack 43. Purdue's strategic three-point shooting, with 10 out of 25 from deep, contrasted sharply with NC State's 4 out of 16, playing a significant role in the widening gap. DJ Horne emerged as a standout for NC State, scoring 20 points, nearly half of his team's total, in a valiant effort to keep his team competitive. Despite this, NC State struggled offensively throughout the second half, managing only 14 points in almost 17 minutes. Purdue's victory was further highlighted by Zach Edey's eighth consecutive 20/10 game, underpinning the team's advance towards the national title game.
PURDUE IS COOKING FROM DOWNTOWN 😱 The Boilermakers lead NC State by 18 with less than 4 minutes remaining! https://t.co/zSw3Qdq1Vn
Kevin Keatts finally calls timeout with 3:12 to play, after Purdue rips off a 12-1 run that made this an 18-point game. NC State has 14 points in almost 17 minutes of game time in the second half.
Magic carpet ride just about over for NC State. Purdue one win shy of pulling a Virginia, going from a 1-16 loss one season to a title the next.
Purdue doesn’t have a Big Red in its fan base. It’s sad, too, because that last sequence would have led to a #UConn chant during this timeout. Anyway, the Boilermakers have ripped this one open down the stretch, courtesy of a 12-1 run. NC State is down 18 with 3:12 left, 61-43.
And that’s going to do it for the NC State run. Got off to a poor start and was fighting uphill the whole way. Purdue wasn’t its best version tonight but the timely 3s by Jones and Gillis in particular were a big separator.
Thunder dome for Purdue. The slow-burn blowout is on. NC State's team bus has, in fact, returned to pumpkin. Boilermakers 63, Wolfpack 43, 3:12 to go. Y'all mind if we get a fun second game?
Purdue leads NC State by 18 with 3:12 left. Boilermakers 10 of 25 from deep; Wolpack 4 of 16. Difference: 18 points.
This is about as underwhelming of a performance I've ever seen by a team winning by 18 points in a Final Four game. NC State has just stubbornly refused to take advantage of Purdue mistakes.
Terrific pass by Edey to a wide-open Fletcher Loyer on the wing anmd Purdue takes a 15-point lead with 4 minutes left. And Braden Smith finally makes a shot and the Boilermakers are up 18 with 3:12 remaining. Purdue heading to the national title game on Monday.
NC State couldn't have asked to be much better defensively against Purdue. They're just inept offensively.
Fletcher Loyer drains a 3 and Purdue leads by 15 Feels like it's almost over
Purdue opens up its largest lead of the night 🔥 #MarchMadness @BoilerBall https://t.co/OkO62PCNa1
Zach Edey is an AUTOMATIC 20/10 https://t.co/Kgrc3iDbVX
Zach Edey just picked up his eighth consecutive 20/10 game. Purdue’s up 13 and this game may be close to over right about now. #BoilerUp
Purdue opens up its largest lead of the game, up 13 with under six minutes to go ...
Purdue 49, State 42; 7:37 left. The Wolfpack, despite shooting 5-for-19 this half, are somehow still in this thing. DJ Horne with 20 of the Wolfpack's 42. Playing as though he's back in the Herbert C. Young Center in downtown Cary (one of his home courts growing up).
NC State is within seven, but this game has the classic look of a team that just can’t get over the hump going to the U8. Somehow, the Wolfpack has fought to within 49-42 with 7:37 remaining. DJ Horne has an understated 20 that looks larger with the bigs’ foul trouble. #GoPack
Kind of agree with this. Purdue has played a C-plus game at best. NC State just can’t get anyone going besides Horne. And a couple missed layups this half haven’t helped. https://t.co/bObz6JD63O
DJ Horne just singlehandedly keeping NC State in this thing.
DJ Horne: 20 points, 8/18 shooting Rest of NC State: 22 points, 10/30 shooting
N.C. State shooting 26.3% from the field in the second half. Purdue not much better at 29.4%. Good on these teams for setting offensive basketball back a decade on the grandest stage in the sport.
DJ Horne has 20 -- nearly half of NC State's points