The Saint Peter’s Peacocks (22–11) defeat the Purdue Boilermakers (29–8) in a close battle at the East Region round of 16, 67–64, to become the first #15 seed to reach the “Elite 8” in the NCAA Championships in Men’s basketball in Philadelphia on March 25. The Peacocks had already taken down #2 Kentucky and Murray State in the opening rounds.
Based in Jersey City, New Jersey, the team competes in the Metro Atlantic Conference and is coached by Shaheen Holloway, in his fourth year. They have won their 10th straight game, which is the longest active streak in the country, and is the longest in school history for the past 40 years.
“When you keep [the game] tight, certain things can happen,” said Holloway. “I told my guys just keep battling. I knew the ball was going to bounce our way.”
This is Saint Peter’s fourth appearance in “the big dance” and their first victory; their last appearance was in 2011, blown out by #3 seed Purdue 65–43.
The Peacocks were led by junior guard Daryl Banks III, with 14 points on 6 of 14 shooting, and three rebounds. Forward Clarence Rupert added 11 points on 5 of 8 shooting, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Junior guard Doug Edert came off of the bench to contribute with 10 points, and three rebounds.
“We just went out there and did our thing ... all season which was defending and playing as hard as we possibly can,” said Edert. “It’s just we’re making history. We look forward to keep making more history.”
Starters Hassan Drame and Matthew Lee both added seven points. Fousseyni Drame, Hassan’s brother, came off the bench with four points.
The Drame brothers are from Bamako, Mali, where basketball is considered a female sport. Males there typically play soccer, and they initially resisted their parents’ pleas to play basketball.
Purdue was led by their big men inside. Senior forward Trevion Williams came off of the bench with 16 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore center 7' 4” Zach Edey scored 11 points on 5 of 7 shooting.
Senior guard Sasha Stefanovic also scored 11 on 4 of 8 shooting, 3–7 from threes, and four rebounds. Mason Gillis added 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Jaden Ivey contributed with nine points and eight rebounds.
The matchup was close throughout, with Purdue taking the halftime advantage 33–29. Purdue was paced by their inside dominance, as the Peacocks kept it close with their defense, forcing 15 turnovers.
Peacock’s Banks was heroic late tying the game at 57 on a jumper with 3:18 remaining. Saint Peter’s took the lead 59–57 on Banks floating lay-up after forcing Purdue into a turnover from a shot-clock violation.
The teams traded free throws before Banks added to the lead 65–61 with his two points from the line with 14 seconds remaining.
Boilermakers’ Ivey swished a long three-pointer to get within one, 65–64, with 0:08 on the clock.
With time running out, Purdue’s only option was to foul as Gillis gave Edert two free throws, which were converted to a 67–64 lead.
Saint Peter’s upset Purdue, with Ivey missing the final three-point attempt as the buzzer sounded to end the game.
The Peacocks will meet #8 North Carolina on Sunday’s Elite 8 matchup at 2:05 ET.
