Saturday, April 6, 2024
PURDUE AND UCONN FINISH STRONG
Flying Ace takes over first; Bigtenfan clinches money; 30 go 2-0
CYPRESS, CA (smt) – #1MW-Purdue’s lead was cut to 7 with 8 minutes left but then went on a 13-1 run to put away #11S-NC State, 63-50, to advance to their 2nd finals appearance. NC State’s incredible 9-game win streak was snapped and made it 0-8 for double-digit Final Four teams in the semifinals. Zach Edey was a force on the court but not necessarily on the stat sheet (“just” 20 pts, 12 rebounds) as his teammates excelled in the low-scoring game.
#1E-UConn never led by 30 like the other four games and found itself tied at 56 with 12:44 left but then went on an 11-2 run in winning by 13+ for the 11th straight tourney game, 86-72, over #4W-Alabama. UConn is vying to become the first back-to-back champion since Florida (2006-2007) and is undefeated in the finals (5-0). Alabama was hot in the first half hitting 8/11 from three but still trailed 44-40 at halftime (they cooled hitting just 3/12 in the 2nd half). UConn had great team dynamics with 20 assists on 31 made baskets while Purdue only had 9 assists on 26 baskets.
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