Zach Edey has shown why he is the AP Player of the Year as he has come out scoring 16 points in the first half. And I think that Purdue might have played one of the best defensive performances that I have ever seen against a team that shot 48% from the field.

Every time Purdue would look like they would get a stop after forcing Connecticut to a couple seconds in the shot clock, you would then realize the Huskies have you right where they want as they make the shot.

The Huskies also have taken advantage of their offensive rebounds as they seem to always score off of them. Tristen Newton led the Huskies with 11 points, as the Huskies guards are taking advantage of their height advantage on the Purdue guards to drive to the lane and shoot over them.

The other place that the Huskies are winning is on the perimeter defense. They are totally taking away Purdue’s outlet passes to the wings that would lead to three-point shots. The Boilers only took 2 three-pointers in the first half. The Huskies have been happy to let Smith and Loyer drive to the lane and take their chances on them scoring the floater or getting the ball to Edey.

It is clear of how good Connecticut is – I thought Purdue played pretty well and they still find themselves down 36-30 at the half. But I still have hope – you have to have hope.

On a side note – Charlie has said that this is nerve wracking. He has inherited rooting for Chicago teams since that is who I cheer for – and he has realized that this is really the first time he has gotten to see his team playing for a championship. It is maddening as you get caught up on every single play that doesn’t go your way. I guess it is good for him to learn this madness at some point.

20 minutes left in the 2024 season. 20 minutes left for my Boilers to try to come back from 6 down to win their first NCAA Tournament championship. 20 minutes more of intense desire to see every Purdue shot to in and every Huskies shot to miss – despite knowing how ridiculous either of those outcomes are. They are so close to a National championship. But frustratingly, Connecticut at the moment is closer.

Anything can happen in March!!! Please Boilers!!!! Please come back!!!! Here we go! BOILER UP!!!