Purdue’s veteran-heavy Boilermakers face a spirited Queens in a high-stakes NCAA Tournament opener in St. Louis, aiming for a deep run and potential Final Four spot.

ST. LOUIS — March Madness has arrived in the Gateway City, and tonight the Purdue Boilermakers tip off their NCAA Tournament run with a high-stakes first-round matchup against Queens University at the Enterprise Center.

The No. 2-seeded Boilermakers enter the game as one of the tournament’s top contenders, bringing a 27–8 record and fresh momentum after winning the Big Ten Tournament.

Purdue faces No. 15 seed Queens in a classic David-versus-Goliath showdown, with tipoff scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT in St. Louis.

The Boilermakers are heavy favorites, but history has shown that first-round games can be unpredictable — something head coach Matt Painter and his veteran roster are taking seriously.

Queens, making its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, arrives with confidence after a strong run through the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament.

Purdue’s biggest strength may be its experience. The team features a senior-heavy lineup and has its sights set on a deep tournament run — potentially even a Final Four appearance.

Meanwhile, Queens embraces the underdog role, leaning on a fast-paced offense and multiple double-digit scorers to try to pull off a stunning upset.

One key storyline to watch is Purdue star guard Braden Smith, who is on the verge of breaking the NCAA’s all-time assists record — a milestone that could add extra significance to tonight’s game.

The game is part of the NCAA Tournament’s return to St. Louis, with the Enterprise Center hosting first- and second-round matchups for the first time in a decade.

The winner of tonight’s game will advance to Sunday’s second round, facing either Miami (FL) or Missouri as the path to the Sweet 16 begins to take shape.

Purdue alum and Show Me St. Louis’s Mary Caltrider, welcomed on the Purdue Cheer team and friends to kick off the festivities! 

For the latest on Purdue Basketball, follow them on Instagram: @BoilerBall.  

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