The Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Tennessee Volunteers in their Elite 8 matchup.
For the first time in the history of the program, Tennessee aimed to make it to the Final Four. They performed admirably against the Purdue Boilermakers in both halves, but in the closing minutes, they were outlasted. Moving forward Zach Edey was a reliable option for Purdue to win the game; he finished with 40 points and 16 rebounds after frequently getting to the free-throw line. Edey made 21 attempts at free throws in total.
Guard Dalton Knecht of Tennessee had a successful game, scoring 37 points and making six three-pointers. Knecht was a projected lottery pick in the NBA Draft prior to the NCAA Tournament, and he has only improved his value over the last four games. His incredible season with the Vols is coming to a close. Allan Houston holds the record for most points scored in a single season in Tennessee, which he fell short of by 28 points.
Due to foul difficulties, the Vols frequently switched up their big men; when forward Tobe Awaka fouled out of the game, forward J.P. Estrella performed admirably. But there’s a reason Edey is a unanimous first-team All-American. Throughout the game, Purdue made a number of plays that gave them the advantage. A spectacular season in Tennessee comes to an end.
