By ETT 
The Boilermakers secure a hard-fought victory in a thrilling NCAA Tournament semifinal
In a clash of titans at the NCAA Tournament semifinals in New Orleans, Purdue University’s Boilermakers emerged triumphant over NC State University’s Wolfpack, claiming a hard-fought 81-70 victory. The game was marked by a fierce battle in the paint, as both teams showcased their athleticism and physicality.
The Boilermakers were led by a stellar performance from Zach Edey, the towering center who dominated the paint throughout the game. Edey racked up an impressive 22 points and 21 rebounds, showcasing his unmatched size and strength. Complementing Edey’s dominance was the sharpshooting of guard Ethan Morton, who drained five three-pointers and finished with 17 points.
Despite the loss, NC State gave a valiant effort and challenged Purdue every step of the way. The Wolfpack were paced by Jarkel Joiner’s 19 points and Terquavion Smith’s 17 points. However, Purdue’s superior size and depth proved too much to overcome in the end.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. Purdue held a slim 38-35 lead at the break, thanks to Edey’s early dominance.
The Boilermakers came out of the break with renewed intensity, and slowly but surely began to pull away from the Wolfpack. Morton drained two quick three-pointers to ignite a 10-0 run, and Purdue never looked back. NC State fought hard to stay within striking distance, but Edey’s consistent scoring and Purdue’s strong defense kept the Wolfpack at bay.
As the game entered the final minutes, tension mounted in the arena. NC State made a desperate push, but Purdue’s poise and experience proved invaluable. The Boilermakers sank free throws down the stretch to secure the victory and send the NC State faithful home disappointed.
With this victory, Purdue advances to the National Championship game, where they will face the winner of the Kansas-North Carolina semifinal. The Boilermakers have been on an incredible run throughout the tournament, and they will look to cap it off with a championship victory.
Purdue’s victory over NC State is a testament to their hard work, determination, and unwavering belief. They have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, and they will be a formidable opponent in the National Championship game. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the NCAA Tournament, and Purdue will be looking to bring home the trophy to West Lafayette.
