Second Half Offensive Slump Dooms Boilermakers Attempt to Return to the Final Four: Arizona 79 – Purdue 64

Mar 28, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Oscar Cluff (45) and guard Gicarri Harris (24) block a shot by Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images Elite Eight games are just different. They feel different than anything with the exception of a championship game.

Coaches, players, and teams are judged based on getting to the Final Four and winning the championship. Two years ago Purdue broke through to the Final Four, and ultimately to the national championship game, for the first time since 1980. They lost in the title game, but it meant so much to the program and to the fans to make it to the Final Four.

Elite Eight games mean wins result in history. When you see a coach’s profile when he retires sure it will talk about conference championships but they will also show how many Final Fours they made it to along with if they won any national championships. Elite Eight games are just different.

John Wooden Memorial Player of the Game (JWMPOTG) : Oscar Cluff earns it here for me. He was Purdue’s leading scorer with 14 points and he also grabbed 10 rebounds. He played 39 minutes for the Boilermakers tonight.