We’re getting the matchup so many wanted.
The defending champs against a special roster looking for redemption after being on the wrong end of a 1-16 upset last year.
The Huskies. The Boilermakers. Dan Hurley. Matt Painter.
The top two seeds are meeting at the center of State Farm Stadium on Monday.
UConn could be the first team to win back-to-back championships since Florida in 2006 & 2007 after beating Alabama in the Final Four 86-72.
The Huskies, who had five players average double-figure points, had Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Alex Karaban, Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton pass that bar on Saturday.
Purdue on the other followed National Player of the Year Zach Edey’s lead in a grind-it-out game against NC State, taking this one 63-50.
In 40 minutes, Edey scored 20 points and tallied 12 rebounds with four assists. Levi Jones helped set the tone from the outside, hitting four three-pointers to help overtake the Wolfpack. Purdue flexed its muscles in the second half, pulling away and at one point was up by 20 ahead of the Cinderella before turning them into a pumpkin.
So what happens Monday? That’s the million dollar question.
All eyes early will be in the paint with Edey squaring off against Clingan. But, as always, an unlikely hero could emerge Monday night.
Jordan Hamm
