Purdue edges NC State to advance in tournament
- Purdue defeated NC State 71-61, with key contributions from Trey Kaufman-Renn and Camden Heide.
- The game was a rematch of last season's Final Four encounter.
- With this victory, Purdue advances to the championship game of the Rady Children's Invitational.
On November 28, 2024, in San Diego, California, the No. 13 Purdue Boilermakers faced off against NC State in the opening game of the Rady Children's Invitational. This matchup was significant as it served as a rematch of the previous year's Final Four game, highlighting the competitive nature of college basketball. Purdue's Trey Kaufman-Renn played a crucial role in the game, scoring 15 of his 22 points in the second half, which helped his team secure a 71-61 victory. Camden Heide also contributed significantly, adding 15 points to the team's total. Purdue's impressive performance marks their progression in the tournament and exemplifies their capability as they seek their fourth straight Thanksgiving week victory. Additionally, Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer scored 11 and 10 points, respectively, enhancing Purdue's overall offensive strategy. The Boilermakers were dominant on the boards, out-rebounding NC State 38-28, with Kaufman-Renn pulling down eight rebounds. The defensive efforts of Purdue contained NC State's scoring options, especially in the second half, preventing the Wolfpack from gaining momentum. NC State, which trailed closely at halftime, ended up with Jayden Taylor scoring 15 points and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield contributing 13 points. The game showcased Purdue's preparation and determination as they advance to the championship game against the winner of the matchup between No. 23 Mississippi and BYU, solidifying their competitive spirit going into the rest of the season.