PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 4-seeded Purdue Boilermakers took on the No. 12-seeded McNeese Cowboys on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. The winner of this NCAA Tournament second-round clash would earn a coveted spot in the Sweet 16.
Purdue, coming off a solid first-round victory over High Point, entered the game as a 6.5-point favorite, showcasing a strong record with a No. 15 rank in the KenPom analytics. Purdue's offense, noted for being the sixth best in the nation, was anticipated to clash with McNeese's surprising form, especially after the Cowboys upset No. 5 seed Clemson in their first-round matchup.
The game started at 12:10 p.m. ET, and fans packed the arena, eager to see if McNeese could pull off another major upset. The atmosphere was electric, particularly among Cowboy supporters who were looking to see their team capitalize on their recent momentum.
As the game unfolded, Purdue quickly established control. They began with an explosive offense that saw C.J. Cox leading the pack early on, scoring 18 points by the end of the game. Purdue’s size proved overwhelming for the smaller McNeese lineup, and the Boilermakers dominated the boards, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds. This rebounding prowess was underlined by Trey Kaufman-Renn, who not only scored but also posted an impressive double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds.
By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 38-20, as McNeese struggled to find their rhythm on offense. The Cowboys managed to shoot only 8 out of 26 from the field in the first half, putting them at a severe disadvantage. McNeese's Sincere Parker, who was their top scorer with 17 points, found it difficult to penetrate Purdue's defense, showcasing just how well the Boilermaker's size and defensive strategy had been designed.
Despite being down, McNeese seemed resilient. Early in the second half, they attempted a push, going on a brief run to cut the deficit to 53-37, igniting hope amongst their fans. However, Purdue tightened its defense, and their offensive efficiency did not wane. Back-to-back three-pointers from Gicarri Harris and Myles Colvin pushed Purdue’s lead back to above 20 points in the final minutes, securing their victory with a final score of 76-62.
Purdue’s overall performance was impressive; not only did they shoot at a high percentage, but they defended with strength. Braden Smith was also crucial for the Boilermakers, scoring 14 points and contributing significantly with six assists throughout the game.
McNeese's journey, while temporarily halted, showcased their determination and skill, particularly having advanced past Clemson just two days earlier. They finished the game strong despite the disappointment, with contributions from players like Javohn Garcia, who added 12 points, showing glimpses of their potential.
The win for Purdue means they now advance to the Sweet 16, with the potential to make a deep run in this year's tournament. Their next matchup will pose a new set of challenges, but the Boilermakers proved they can rise to the occasion, maintaining composure against a determined but ultimately overmatched opponent.
This victory doesn’t just add to Purdue’s storied NCAA Tournament history but also reaffirms their strength as a team capable of competing at the highest levels. With fans rallying behind them and the team’s momentum on a high, Purdue will be a team to watch moving forward in March Madness.
