Purdue’s Matt Painter shares keys to game against Arizona

SAN JOSE, Calif. (WISH) — The Purdue Boilermakers are back in the Elite 8 for the third time since 2019. This time around, the Boilers will need to beat No. 1 seed Arizona to get to the Final Four.

Here’s what Purdue head coach Matt Painter’s main thoughts are on the opponent.

“From a physical standpoint, you got to be able to match that physicality,” Painter said. “That’s easier said than done. They’re a very, very physical team. The thing that they cause even more issues is just how talented their two guards are.”

Arizona enters the Elite 8 against Purdue fresh off a 109-88 win over No. 4 seed Arkansas in the Sweet 16. Arizona’s 109-point performance is the second most points the Wildcats have scored in an NCAA Tournament game in program history.

In Arizona’s win over Arkansas, the Wildcats shot 63.8% from the field, and became the first team in NCAA Tournament history with six players scoring at least 14 points.

Additionally, Arizona has 6 players listed 6’8 or taller, and they average the second most rebounds per game in the country with 42.7 per game.

“People have stopped them, but they haven’t stopped them from rebounding,” Painter said. “When Arizona is shooting the ball well and they’re rebounding the ball well on the offensive end, it’s a dead-end for their opponent. So we have to do a good job of trying to stay out of rotations so we have good rebound ba...