The Purdue Boilermakers secured a spot in the Sweet 16 with a 76-62 victory over McNeese State in the Midwest Region's second round. The No. 4 seed Purdue team dominated early with junior guard Fletcher Loyer leading a strong three-point strategy.
Purdue built a large lead from the start, leading 38-20 at halftime, according to FOX59. All-American guard Braden Smith added a couple of free throws to increase the lead just before the break. Smith finished with 10 points and five assists, while Loyer scored 15 points, helping Purdue shoot 42.3% from beyond the arc.
This marks Purdue's sixth Sweet 16 appearance in the last eight years and 15th overall. Purdue will face the winner of the Houston-Gonzaga game on Friday night. The Journal & Courier highlighted the team's 17 assists on 23 field goals and a solid 11-point performance from freshman guard C.J. Cox.
Purdue alumni celebrated the win on social media, with messages from Lance Jones, Vincent Edwards, Rapheal Davis, and assistant coach PJ Thompson, as noted by Sports Illustrated. The excitement builds as Purdue aims to continue their strong performance in Friday's game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
