Purdue Faces Houston in Sweet 16 Rematch of Rivals

INDIANAPOLIS — Purdue‘s No. 4-seeded men’s basketball team is set to face No. 1 seed Houston in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium. This matchup marks a significant moment in the history of both programs as they battle for a spot in the Elite Eight.

Purdue (24-11) advanced to this round after decisively defeating High Point and McNeese by double digits in the first two rounds. Meanwhile, Houston (32-4) comes into this game riding a 15-game winning streak, having recently triumphed over several NCAA Tournament teams in the Big 12, including Arizona and Kansas.

Purdue has made it to the Sweet 16 in the past two seasons and is looking to replicate its success. Historically, the Boilermakers have struggled against No. 1 seeds, holding a record of 0-8 when facing teams ranked first in NCAA Tournament history. “We are determined to change that narrative this time around,” said Purdue head coach Matt Painter.

During the tournament, Purdue has demonstrated exceptional shooting skills, ranking ninth nationally in three-point percentage at 38.5% and 11th in overall shooting at 48.8%. Nevertheless, they are aware that they will face their toughest challenge against a Houston team known for its stifling defense, leading the nation by allowing just 58.4 points per game.

“In tournament play, every possession counts,” Painter noted, emphasizing the importance of maximizing their shooting opportunities while limiting turnovers against Houston. “We know we must be at our best to advance further in this tournament.”

Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson brings his expertise to the game, having reached the Sweet 16 for the fifth consecutive year. Sampson has built a cohesive unit around players like L.J. Cryer, who poses a significant scoring threat. His scoring prowess will be critical for Houston’s success in this matchup.

Purdue’s success in this tournament will rely heavily on its collective team effort, with key contributors like Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn stepping up on both ends of the court. The Boilermakers are aiming to achieve a milestone by reaching the Elite Eight, having never played in back-to-back Elite Eights in program history.

As the teams prepare for what promises to be an exciting encounter, the stakes are high. A victory will not only advance Purdue further in the tournament but also mark an important milestone in their pursuit of NCAA Championship aspirations.