PROVIDENCE - The fun starts early here at the Amica Mutual Pavilion as No. 4 Purdue takes on No. 12 McNeese State with a berth to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on the line. Purdue beat up on High Point in the first round on Wednesday, winning 75-64. McNeese State went up huge on Clemson, then held on late to grab the 69-67 victory.

Purdue will meet top-seeded Houston in the Midwest Region semifinals in Indianapolis. Coach Matt Painter has reached the Sweet 16 in eight of his 16 NCAA Tournament appearances with the Boilermakers. Painter said the challenge is to maintain the offensive efficiency his team has shown over the first two rounds.