PHILADELPHIA — The celebration was nearing its end Friday night as Saint Peter’s cleared the court at the Wells Fargo Center following its stunning Sweet 16 win over Purdue by a 67-64 score.
But there was still another moment to savor, another roar to hear for Clarence Rupert, Saint Peter’s North Philadelphia freshman. He turned back to the crowd — many of which were his family and friends — and raised his hands as the fans cheered once more.
The night belonged to Saint Peter’s as the Peacocks became the first 15th seed to ever reach the Elite Eight. The Peacocks were supposed to be outclassed by Purdue’s talent and overmatched by their size. But Saint Peter’s — from Rupert swatting the ball away from Purdue’s 7-foot-4 center on the opening possession to Daryl Banks hitting a jumper to take a two-point lead with 2 minutes left — refused to be denied.
