Last year the Purdue Boilermakers became just the second team in NCAA Tournament history to lose as a 1-seed to a 16-seed, falling to Fairleigh Dickinson in the Round of 64. But if history is anything to go by, there’s a lot for the Boilermakers to feel confident about this tournament.
Back in 2018, the Virginia Cavaliers were shocked when UMBC beat them in the first-ever 16-over-1 NCAA Tournament game. But the following year, they won the whole thing.
As a result, former Virginia basketball star Ty Jerome – who was a part of those two teams – had some advice for the Boilermakers as they enter the tournament as a 1-seed again: Let it fuel you.
“’They weren’t the first to do it, so it’s not the worst thing in the world — it’s the second-worst thing in the world,” Jerome said, via Fox News. “To go through that together and bounce back together … it’s definitely going to make them stronger. I hope they’ve talked about it.
“That’s the best way to move forward, is to embrace it, to talk about it and let it fuel you.”
Purdue has been excellent but once again looks vulnerable, just as they were in 2023. They begin their NCAA Tournament run tomorrow against 16-seeded Grambling State.
If Purdue wins the national title this year, last year’s loss will be meaningless.
But heaven help them if they lose to Grambling State and become the first team to ever lose to a 16-seed in back-to-back years.