Extreme foul trouble proved too much for the Bulldogs to overcome in the Sweet 16.

DETROIT – Purdue defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 80-68 on Friday night in the Sweet 16 round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, capping off an incredible late-season surge.

The Zags were only behind by four points at the break, but in the second half, they were unable to keep up with Purdue’s prolific offensive. In order to win easily, the Boilermakers dominated Gonzaga in the paint and made 9 of 20 3-pointers.

In the Elite Eight on Sunday, Purdue (32-4) will play the victor of Creighton vs. Tennessee. Gonzaga (27-8) is riding the longest Sweet 16 run in the nation (9) and the third-longest streak overall as they enter the summer.

Ben Gregg picked up two fouls in the first four minutes of the game, and Anton Watson picked up his fourth with 12:33 remaining in the second half, leaving the Zags down 53-51. Foul trouble harmed the team. The Boilermakers went on a 16-2 run to grab a commanding 16-point lead after Watson departed the game.

With 5:07 remaining in the game, Gonzaga’s Graham Ike led the team with 18 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out. With 1:36 remaining, Watson fouled out after recording 14 points and 4 rebounds. With 14 rebounds and 27 points, Zach Edey led Purdue. Edey received only two warnings for personal fouls.

Purdue’s Braden Smith finished with 14 points, 15 assists, and 8 rebounds in the point guard duel, while Ryan Nembhard of Gonzaga finished with 14 points and 7 assists. With 16 points, Nolan Hickman scored.