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St. Peter’s, entering the tournament as a 15-seed, will look to add to their Cinderella story by taking on #3 Purdue Friday at 7:09 p.m.
The Peacocks had participated three previous times in the NCAA Tournament, all having first-round exits. Now having won multiple games they are looking to go down in the history as the first team seeded higher than 12 to make it to the elite eight. With the winner of this game will go on to face either North Carolina or UCLA.
However, Purdue is not planning to underestimate the 15-seed as Coach Matt Painter explains why they shouldn’t overlook them.
Purdue Center Zach Edey also shared what it is like to face a Cinderella in the tournament.
Dancing Till Midnight
St Peter’s came into the tournament as a 15 seed; the last time they were in this tournament was in 2011 when they were ranked #14 and played against #3 Purdue losing 43–65.
St. Peter’s comes into this match up defeating their past two opponents #2 Kentucky and #7 Murray State. Defeating both of them by 10-plus points with the biggest margin coming against Kentucky 85-79. The Peacocks also become the third 15 seed in tournament history to make the Sweet 16, and the third in nine years, to make it. To make history they need to have continued success from their three leading scorers Daryl Banks III, KC Ndefo and Dug Edert.
https://twitter.com/MAACHoops/status/1506646898173743105
Looking to Play Spoiler
Purdue has had continued success in recent years making the past 7 NCAA championships, all while seeding as a #10 seed or lower. With their highest seed of those years being #2 in 2018.
Having a first-round exit last year at the hands of #13 North Texas Purdue has already made up for it making it to the Sweet 16. Purdue has 4 players averaging more than 10 points a game coming into it with Jaden Ivey being their leading scorer with 17.6 points per game.
Built for this. Built for March. #BoilerUp x #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/lUmK0VUOrR
— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) March 25, 2022
