Purdue's Final Four rout of NC State draws praise on social media
Purdue and Zach Edey are 1 game away from an elusive national title.
After beating NC State, the Boilermakers are heading to the big game for the 1st time since the 1969 season. The last time Purdue was in this position it was against UCLA and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — then known as Lew Alcindor. The Boilermakers ended up losing the matchup. Purdue was unfortunate to face the Bruins during a run where they won 7 national titles in a row.
Against the Wolfpack on Saturday evening, Edey racked up a double-double on 20 points and 12 rebounds as Purdue got past NC State 63-50. Edey only went to the free throw line twice during the game, which drew plenty of reaction from Edey supporters on social media. Previously, Edey garnered some criticism from fans as he averaged 13.5 free throw attempts during the first 4 games of this NCAA Tournament.
Despite Edey not making his usual trips to the free throw line, the Boilermakers were largely in control of this game. Purdue secured the lead early in the game and didn’t take its foot off the gas. The Boilermakers led by as many as 20 points in their 13-point victory.
Fans and media were quick to share reactions after the game, ranging from comments on how Edey was officiated to comparing his NCAA Tournament run to legends like Jerry West and Elvin Hayes. Here’s the best of the reaction to Purdue’s big win:
I’m seeing people on this very app complaining about how many calls Zach Edey got tonight.
He attempted two free throws. Am I missing something?
— Matt Mauro (@TheMidRangeJump) April 7, 2024
NC State didn’t run out of magic. They just ran into Zach Edey and Purdue. What a run for the Wolfpack…
— College Basketball Tidbits (@CBB_Tidbits) April 7, 2024
I believe Zach Edey just played all 40 minutes
— Rowlett TX (F4 Baby!!) Boilers (@Rowlettboiler) April 7, 2024
#ZachEdey had 20 points and 12 rebounds as #Purdue advances to national championship game with 63-50 win over N.C. State. Hoping @UConnMBB beats @AlabamaMBB tonight so we can watch Edey and Donovan Clingan go head-to-head for the title. https://t.co/rxDFHeL64X
— Jim Donaldson (@JimDonaldsonJr) April 7, 2024
Edey shot two free throws in a Final Four game and Purdue won by double digits…any “media” trolls wanna take a swing at that one?
— michael (@therailroadtie) April 7, 2024
Guess there’s only one thing left to do…
LET’S GO WIN A NATIONAL TITLE!!!@BoilerBall | #BoilerUp 🚂⬆️ pic.twitter.com/sEkbGnwOat
— Purdue Athletics (@PurdueSports) April 7, 2024
One year ago, Purdue suffered the biggest upset in the history of the NCAA Tournament when it lost to Fairleigh Dickinson.
On Monday, it will play for a national title.
Anarchy?
Nope. Just College Basketball. https://t.co/e1m6m6DSfa
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 7, 2024
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 55 YEARS, PURDUE HAS RETURNED TO THE #NATIONALCHAMPIONSHIP 🙌#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/7hMRF2w0f6
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2024
Zach Edey walking into the national title game pic.twitter.com/l1XPHoRTvJ
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) April 7, 2024
Players to have at least 140 points and 70 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament:
Zach Edey
Jerry West
Elvin Hayes— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 7, 2024
Purdue will await the winner of UConn vs. Alabama in the national title game. If UConn advances, Edey and the Boilermakers will be the only thing standing in the way of a repeat championship for the Huskies. Alabama is playing in the Final Four for the first time.