Over the last couple of years, Purdue has consistently reminded the basketball world of how good of a team they are.

With superstars like Jaden Ivey this past year and now 7 '4 giant Zach Edey, they have constantly stayed as a top tier program in the country. But they have always had kryptonite during these couple of years that has staggered their growth of reaching their full potential.

That kryptonite has been the state of New Jersey, as numerous colleges from the Garden State have reached success whenever they have faced the Boilermakers.

First it was Rutgers, who shocked the number one seed in 2021, due to a game winner by alum Ron Harper Jr. (they would beat them again in 2023). Then it was the magnificent Saint Peter’s Peacocks, who defeated Purdue 67-64 during their Cinderella run in the NCAA tournament in 2022. And now it is Fairleigh Dickinson University who have continued the trend as they upset Purdue 63-58 in the first round.

As the smallest team in the whole tournament, FDU was severely undersized going into the game. Knowing this, the Knights used their speed and quickness to get their points and to defend the opponent’s backcourt from all areas of the court. Guard Sean Moore led the Knights in scoring with 19.

This game was huge for Moore as he only scored 45 points throughout the entirety of the regular season. His outburst in contribution for the Knights was very crucial as the important buckets that were needed to keep them in the game came from him.

FDU's next game will be against Florida Atlantic University. New Jersey will definitely be in their corner as they look to continue their magical run!