The 2025 NCAA Tournament kicked off with a thrilling matchup between the No. 4 seed Purdue Boilermakers and the No. 13 seed High Point Panthers on March 20. Purdue advanced with a 75-63 victory at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island, showcasing the intensity that March Madness is known for.
Purdue, which entered with a record of 22-11, had faced challenges in recent weeks, losing six of their last nine games leading up to the tournament. High Point, on the other hand, was riding high on a 14-game winning streak, boasting a season record of 29-5 after capturing the Big South Tournament championship with an 81-69 victory over Winthrop. This marked their inaugural trip to the NCAA Tournament, adding to the stakes of this game.
As the clock started, both teams exhibited characteristically high energy, with scoring exchanges that offered a glimpse of the competitiveness within the tournament. Braden Smith, who had struggled in the Big Ten Tournament prior to this game, quickly made his mark by scoring seven points by the 15-minute mark of the first half. His ability to create opportunities paid off as Purdue sought an early lead. However, the Panthers matched the fire with strong plays of their own, leading to a tight contest that saw the score tied at 20-20 with ten minutes left in the opening half.
D’Maurian Williams and his teammates responded whenever Purdue attempted to gain an advantage. Williams emerged as a crucial contributor for High Point, leading them in scoring with 12 points. His performance underscored the grit the Panthers displayed throughout the matchup.
As the first half progressed, Purdue started to pull away, with Trey Kaufman-Renn asserting himself. His six-point burst in less than two minutes helped Purdue edge ahead, finishing the half with a ten-point lead—Purdue 37, High Point 27. The Boilermakers took control largely thanks to their experience and strategic play.
The second half opened with High Point demonstrating their determination to fight back into the game. A three-pointer from Trea Brenham trimmed Purdue's lead to five points early in the half, re-energizing the Panthers and their supporters. It was clear—this game had the potential for an upset.
As the tension mounted in the second half, Simon Hildebrandt cut into Purdue's lead again, making it a five-point game at the 11:47 mark. High Point’s momentum was palpable, and the frantic pace left fans on the edge of their seats. However, Purdue, relying on their core players, managed to respond decisively to every High Point surge. The Boilermakers, particularly Smith and Kaufman-Renn, executed effectively down the stretch. The duo combined for an impressive 41 points throughout the game, showcasing their elite scoring abilities.
As High Point clawed its way back, a dunk from Julin Bodo Bodo brought the Panthers within three points at 59-56 with just under eight minutes remaining. But Purdue's steadiness under pressure told a different story—responding quickly to regain control. In a testament to their experience, Ramirez, Smith, and their teammates managed to score 13 of the last 16 points of the game, solidifying their lead and pushing back any hope of a High Point comeback.
The game culminated with the Boilermakers returning to form and earning a well-fought victory. Purdue’s win not only highlights their survival in the high-stakes tournament but showcases the team’s resilience despite ups and downs in the regular season. As the final buzzer sounded, it marked a significant moment for both teams: Purdue will advance further in the tournament, looking poised for the next big challenge, while High Point finishes their season with a commendable 20-7 record, proud of their groundbreaking journey into the NCAA Tournament.
This game will be remembered as a classic battle of strategy and heart, illustrating why March Madness captivates fans nationwide. The Boilermakers await their next opponent, either the No. 5 seed Clemson or No. 12 seed McNeese, in a quest to secure a coveted spot in the tournament's deeper rounds.
