Saint Mary's was dominant in conference play and finished in the top 50 in points scored (37th) and assists (14th) per game in the nation. The Gaels take on a Purdue team led senior forward by Robbie Hummel -- who does just about everything for the Boilermakers -- that didn't fair well against top-25 opponents. Purdue finished the regular season winning three of their last four and a game in the Big Ten tournament, but can they carry that momentum past the WCC champs?
NO. 7 SAINT MARY'S
Overall Record: 27-5
Conference Record: 14-2
Conference Tournament Outcome: Won WCC Tournament
PPG: 74.9
Points Allowed: 63.1
AP Ranking: none
RPI: 28
KenPom Ranking: 43
Standout Player: Matthew Dellavedova
Season In Review: Other than early losses to Denver and Baylor, Saint Mary's dominated for most of the season. It wasn't until the middle of February when the Gaels faced some adversity losing three of four. How did they respond? By winning their last four games including an overtime victory over Gonzaga in the conference tournament finals.
Tournament Experience: 3-6, 6
NO. 10 PURDUE
Overall Record: 21-12
Conference Record: 10-8
Conference Tournament Outcome: Lost To Ohio State In Quarterfinals
PPG: 72.2
Points Allowed: 66.0
AP Ranking: none
RPI: 45
KenPom Ranking: 24
Standout Player: Robbie Hummel
Season In Review: Purdue was embarrassed by Penn State in January, leading to a stretch in which the Boilermakers dropped five of eight. But wins over Illinois on the road and Michigan at home helped Purdue reach the tourney.
Tournament Experience: 34-25, 25 appearances, 2 Final Fours
Related
Before You Go
Click HERE for Printable 2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket and stay tuned for in-depth coverage of March Madness throughout the tournament.