Purdue, Arizona and Elite 8
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Purdue head coach Matt Painter shut down what he feels is one of the "dumbest" criticisms of today's college basketball landscape.
The Boilermakers welcomed preseason expectations of winning a national championship. They looked the part against top-seeded Arizona in a unique way.
The Boilermakers have a well-shaped roster for the 2026-27 season already, but there could be attrition still with eligibility, other concerns.
College basketball predictions, picks, and odds for the Elite Eight matchup between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, March 28.
The careers of Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn concluded with a loss in the Elite Eight. Matt Painter reflected on their impact on Purdue.
Jim Jackson drew a comparison between 1-seed Arizona, which is headed to the Final Four, with artificial intelligence.
Purdue has been a model of consistency in an era of college basketball where teams annually turn over entire rosters. Can they sustain success after an exodus of experienced talent?
The Boilermakers score with elite efficiency, making good on a plan set in motion in November, with groundwork laid before that. They'll need it vs Arizona.