Purdue vs. Tennessee live score, updates, highlights from 2024 March Madness Elite Eight game

No. 1 Purdue and No. 2 Tennessee are set to face off in an Elite Eight showdown between two teams hungry to reach the Final Four.

The Boilermakers have only made two Final Four appearances in school history, over four decades since their last. The Volunteers have never made a Final Four, only appearing in their second Elite Eight in school history.

Purdue handled No. 5 Gonzaga to reach this stage, while Tennessee survived a hard-fought battle against No. 3 Creighton.

All-Americans lead both teams in a matchup headlined by Purdue star center Zach Edey and Tennessee star forward Dalton Knecht. Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter and Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes both have a history of NCAA Tournament shortcomings, but one will emerge as a semifinalist Sunday.

As a thrilling contest between two programs long overdue to get over the hump unfolds, The Sporting News has you covered with live updates, highlights and more below.

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Purdue vs. Tennessee score

1 2 F Purdue Tennessee

Purdue vs. Tennessee live updates, results, highlights from 2024 March Madness

(All times Eastern)

First half

2:49 p.m.: Purdue held Tennessee scoreless for five minutes but the lid came off the rim for the Volunteers. Josiah-Jordan James and Zakai Zeigler buried consecutive triples, giving Tennessee a 25-21 lead with 6:10 remaining in the half.

This game is COOKING ♨️#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/L5t1YQLNPe

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 31, 2024

2:40 p.m.: We’re in for a battle in this one, folks. Tennessee leads Purdue 17-14 at the under-12 media timeout. The Boilermakers are off to an uncharacteristic start from 3-point range, missing all six of their attempts so far. Purdue was the most efficient 3-point shooting team in the country this season.

2:34 p.m.: Here comes Dalton Knecht! The SEC Player of the Year is off to a scorching start, up to 10 points after knocking down his first two 3-point attempts. Tennessee leads Purdue 17-12 with 13:11 to play in the first half.

Dalton Knecht going to work early 👀#MarchMadness @Vol_Hoops pic.twitter.com/17y0X6ryqV

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 31, 2024

2:32 p.m.: Purdue leads Tennessee 10-9 at the under-16 media timeout.

2:27 p.m.: Zach Edey is putting pressure on Tennessee’s defense already. He only has four points, but the Volunteers have four team fouls in the first five minutes. Edey has worn down every frontcourt he has faced this tournament. He’s looking to do the same today.

Pregame

2:20 p.m.: Purdue will start Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, Lance Jones, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Zach Edey.

2:20 p.m.: Tennessee will start Zakai Zeigler, Dalton Knecht, Jahmai Mashack, Josiah-Jordan James and Jonas Aidoo.

12:25 p.m.: Purdue and Tennessee’s social media teams delivered hype videos to get you ready for the monumental Elite Eight showdown for both programs.

4️⃣0️⃣ minutes. All you got. pic.twitter.com/c6mt28yUgi

— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) March 31, 2024

where there’s a will … pic.twitter.com/IiU2ufcu1P

— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 31, 2024