The clock struck midnight Saturday night in North Carolina State’s Cinderella story as Purdue defeated the Wolfpack 63-50 in a men’s Final Four matchup.
Purdue will be playing in the national championship game for the first time since 1969.
The Boilermakers only had a six-point lead over the Wolfpack at the half. However, they were able to maintain that lead and thwart a potential comeback by NC State. Purdue limited NC State’s scoring, holding the Wolfpack to just two players scoring in double figures.
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Purdue center Zach Eady (right) backs down North Carolina State forward Ben Middlebrooks during the second half of the NCAA Final Four game on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Bryn Anderson)
“This is something we’ve been talking about all year. This is something I’ve been talking about for four years,” Purdue star Zach Eady told CBS’ Tracy Wolfson. “Being able to play in it and accept that challenge in the next game. Whoever comes out next game is going to be a great team, but we’re going to stick with our game plan and execute.” is.”
Eadie had 20 points and 12 rebounds. It was his fifth double-double of the postseason.
Purdue guard Fletcher Royer, 2, celebrates during the second half of the Final Four game against North Carolina State on Saturday, April 6, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Bryn Anderson)
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Lance Jones had 14 points and four rebounds. Fletcher Royer added 11 points. Purdue shot 40% from the floor.
DJ Horn led North Carolina State with 20 points and six rebounds. Jaden Taylor came off the bench and scored 11 points. DJ Burns, who was the talk of the tournament, was limited to just eight points.
NC State shot 36.8% from the field but lost the game in rebounds 41-22.
North Carolina State guard Casey Morsell, 14, and Purdue guard Lance Jones, 55, chase down a loose ball during the second half of a Final Four game, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. ). (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Purdue, the No. 1 seed in the tournament, awaits defending national champion UConn.
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