NCAA Tournament 2012: Purdue Hangs On to Beat St. Marys, 72-69

Purdue became the fifth underdog to knock off a higher seeded team tonight, as they escaped a hotly contested battle with St. Marys, to win 72-69.

Robbie Hummel’s Purdue career will be extended at least one more game after his 10 point, 7 rebound effort for the Boilermakers. Hummel wasn’t completely on his game in the offensive half court game, but his presence defensively and as a team captain was visible for Purdue. Terone Johnson led the Boilers with 21 points, while shooting lights out from the floor, going 10-for-14.

St. Marys struggled to hit jumpers, making just 4-of-25 from distance, and couldn’t score on a last second possession with a chance to tie, as Rob Jones clanked one off the rim as time expired. Jones did have a tremendous game for the Gaels however, scoring 23 points and adding 14 rebounds in his 19th double-double of the season.

Purdue now gets to wait out the winner of the Kansas vs. Detroit game, and given the success of Norfolk State and Lehigh tonight, the Boilermakers just might need to scout Detroit.