NCAA tournament bracket update: Purdue overcame March Madness jitters to beat Iowa State and make the Sweet 16

Purdue is going to the Sweet 16 after holding on for a thrilling 80-76 victory over Iowa State in the NCAA tournament on Saturday. The Cyclones staged a furious rally in the second half, but Purdue held on for a wire-to-wire win.

Here’s a look at the updated NCAA tournament bracket.

This has to be especially cathartic for Boilermakers fans after watching the team blow a big second-half lead to Little Rock in the tournament last year. It almost happened again, but Caleb Swanigan wouldn’t let it.

Swanigan finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. He was a constant presence inside and out, taking advantage of an undersized Iowa State front line while hitting three three-pointers. He also came up with the biggest rebound of the night, a late offensive board off a missed free throw that sealed the victory.

Purdue led by as many as 19 at one point. A likely Sweet 16 matchup against top-seeded Kansas was right there in front of the Boilermakers. Then Iowa State roared back, led by twin stars Monte Morris and Deonte Burton.

Morris helmed the attack early, making plays at both ends of the floor for himself and others. College basketball’s consummate True Point Guard rallied his teammates to trim the deficit. Burton took it from there.

Burton hit threes and threw down monstrous dunks, as he is known to do. Iowa State rallied back, but Purdue proved to be too strong.

Purdue was also carried by Vince Edwards and Isaac Haas. Edwards chipped in 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Haas added 14 points.

Swanigan has been tremendous throughout his sophomore season, and his transformation into one of college basketball’s best players after a hard luck upbringing is among this year’s most inspiring stories. Now he’s playing in the second weekend of the NCAA tournament.

Here’s hoping for more games like that.