Gonzaga's NCAA Tournament run ends in 80-68 loss to Purdue

The Bulldogs could not overcome extreme foul trouble in the Sweet 16

Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

DETROIT - The Gonzaga Bulldogs impressive late-season run came to an end Friday night in an 80-68 loss to Purdue in the Sweet 16 round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

The Zags only trailed by four at halftime, but they could not keep pace with Purdue's explosive offense in the second half. The Boilermakers shot 9-of-20 from the 3-point line and pounded Gonzaga in the paint to run away with the victory.

Purdue (32-4) will face the winner of Creighton vs. Tennessee in the Elite Eight on Sunday. Gonzaga (27-8) will head into the offseason sitting on the longest Sweet 16 streak in the country (9) and third-longest ever.

Foul trouble hurt the Zags as Ben Gregg picked up two fouls in the first four minutes of the game and Anton Watson picked up his fourth foul with 12:33 left in the second half and the Zags trailing 53-51. Once Watson left the game the Boilermakers went on a 16-2 run to take a commanding 16-point lead.

Graham Ike led Gonzaga with 18 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out with 5:07 left in the game. Watson had 14 points and 4 rebounds before fouling out with 1:36 left. Zach Edey led Purdue with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Edey was only whistled for two personal fouls.

In the battle of point guards, Purdue's Braden Smith finished with 14 points, 15 assists and 8 rebounds, while Gonzaga Ryan Nembhard had 14 points and 7 assists. Nolan Hickman scored 16 points.

LIVE UPDATES RECAP: GONZAGA LOSES TO PURDUE

FOLLOW GONZAGA NATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Continue to follow our Gonzaga coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FanNationZags.