Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Purdue has no more excuses in this year's NCAA Tournament

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 3/17/24

The Purdue Boilermakers have been one of the most consistent college basketball teams in the country under head coach Matt Painter. Finding success in the NCAA Tournament, however, has been a significantly bigger struggle.

After becoming just the second No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed a year ago, the Boilermakers having an opportunity to redeem themselves this season with another top seed.

That is also going to bring an immense amount of pressure.

They also have no excuses to not go on a deep run given their bracket placement in the Midwest region.

The Midwest Region pic.twitter.com/c44mnu5ezU
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 17, 2024

That's just not a daunting bracket, and it might be the weakest of the four in this year's field.

It's hard to imagine the Boilermakers would blow a second straight 1 vs. 16 matchup, and assuming it doesn't every game after that looks winnable given the teams in the region.

Kansas is a traditional powerhouse, but does not have a healthy lineup and is entering the tournament extremely shorthanded.

Gonzaga has taken a step backwards this season.

Creighton and Tennessee are strong teams in the Nos. 2 and 3 spots, but should be good matchups for a Purdue team that has one of the best players in the country in Zach Edey.

With Edey entering his final tournament the time is now for him and Purdue to actually make some real noise. If it does not happen this season for the program, it is hard to imagine when it might ever happen.

The only other No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 team was the Virginia Cavaliers back in 2018. They came back the next year and won it all. Purdue is looking to follow in those footsteps this season.

More must-reads: