Overview
- Purdue closed a tight semifinal with a 17-5 run after Memphis forward Aaron Bradshaw fouled out on a technical, finishing an 80-71 win marked by nine lead changes and three technicals.
- Fletcher Loyer scored 20 points and CJ Cox added 18 with four threes, while Trey Kaufman-Renn posted 12 points, 11 rebounds and four assists before fouling out.
- Point guard Braden Smith directed the offense with 11 assists as Purdue moved to 5-0.
- Dug McDaniel led Memphis with 18 points, six assists and six rebounds, but the Tigers shot 4-for-19 from three and were without 6-11 center Thierno Sylla, who did not make the trip.
- The Boilermakers, back at No. 1 in the AP poll, advance to Friday’s Baha Mar final against the winner of Texas Tech vs. Wake Forest as they chase a fifth straight MTE title.