Zach Edey had 27 points and 14 rebounds, and Braden Smith had 14 points and 15 assists, as the Boilers won 80-68 to head to the Elite 8.

Gonzaga had cut the lead with 12 minutes down to 2, but Anton Wilson picked up his 4th foul when Edey grabbed an offensive rebound. And then Purdue pounced.

Braden Smith got a layup. Then he hit Fletcher Loyer in transition for another layup. The Boilers got the ball into the lane with Edey who hit his short jumper. Smith drove for another layup. Edey got one of his classic dunks. And Camden Heide hit a three pointer from the wing to force a Gonzaga timeout. In just 3 minutes, what had been close all game had now watched as the 2 point lead was suddenly 14.

And the Boilers never looked back. They are so comfortable playing with a lead – they can take 20 seconds off the clock and then still get a high percentage shot.

And the Lunatic can go to sleep happy. His Boilermakers are heading to the Elite 8. So much hope – so much nervousness. So badly want to see them keep winning. The anticipation will surely grow throughout the weekend.

BOILER UP!!!