Photos: NC State men’s basketball falls to Purdue in the Final Four

Ethan Hyman, Robert Willett

N.C. State men’s basketball has captivated the country with its nine consecutive wins on the way to the Final Four, but a tenth win was not in the cards for the Wolfpack as the fell to Purdue 63-50, Saturday, April 6, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Check back for photos from the game from News & Observer photojournalists Robert Willett and Ethan Hyman.

N.C. State’s KJ Keatts, left, Casey Morsell and Ben Middlebrooks sit in the locker room after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s KJ Keatts, left, Casey Morsell and Ben Middlebrooks sit in the locker room after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
A manger for the Wolfpack basketball team leaves the locker room with the team’s gear including their their March Madness “Why not Us” boom box, following their season ending loss to Purdue on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
A manger for the Wolfpack basketball team leaves the locker room with the team’s gear including their their March Madness “Why not Us” boom box, following their season ending loss to Purdue on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Jayden Taylor sits in the locker room after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Jayden Taylor sits in the locker room after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) grasps his jersey as he takes questions from the media following the Wolfpack’s loss to Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) grasps his jersey as he takes questions from the media following the Wolfpack’s loss to Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) and D.J. Horne (0) walk back to their locker room following their loss to Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game against Purdue on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) and D.J. Horne (0) walk back to their locker room following their loss to Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game against Purdue on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
N.C. State’s D.J. Horne (0) and D.J. Burns Jr. (30) take their seats on the dais to meet with the media following the Wolfpack’s loss to Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Horne (0) and D.J. Burns Jr. (30) take their seats on the dais to meet with the media following the Wolfpack’s loss to Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips watches N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts, during his post game press conference following the Wolfpack’s loss to Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips watches N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts, during his post game press conference following the Wolfpack’s loss to Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) sits in the locker room after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) sits in the locker room after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) and DJ Burns Jr. (30) walk off the court after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) and DJ Burns Jr. (30) walk off the court after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State athletics director Boo Corrigan hugs Breon Pass (10) after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State athletics director Boo Corrigan hugs Breon Pass (10) after Purdue’s 63-50 victory over N.C. State in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts congratulate Purdue’s Braden Smith (3) following their 63-50 victory following the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts congratulate Purdue’s Braden Smith (3) following their 63-50 victory following the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Breon Pass (10) sits at the end of the bench as Purdue opens a 12 point lead over the Wolfpack in the second half during the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Breon Pass (10) sits at the end of the bench as Purdue opens a 12 point lead over the Wolfpack in the second half during the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
Down by 12 points, N.C. State’s D.J. Horne (0) reacts after missing a three-point attempt with 5:03 to play against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Purdue defeated N.C. State 63-53. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
Down by 12 points, N.C. State’s D.J. Horne (0) reacts after missing a three-point attempt with 5:03 to play against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Purdue defeated N.C. State 63-53. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
NC State’s and Casey Morsell (14), Jayden Taylor (1) and DJ Horne (0) walk to the bench during a second half timeout as they face Purdue in the Final Four, Saturday night, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State’s and Casey Morsell (14), Jayden Taylor (1) and DJ Horne (0) walk to the bench during a second half timeout as they face Purdue in the Final Four, Saturday night, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State’s Jayden Taylor (1) tries to get possession of the ball as Purdue’s Fletcher Loyer defends in second half action of their Final Four game, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State’s Jayden Taylor (1) tries to get possession of the ball as Purdue’s Fletcher Loyer defends in second half action of their Final Four game, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Mason Gillis (0) battles with N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) for a rebound during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Mason Gillis (0) battles with N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) for a rebound during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
NC State’s Ben Middlebrooks ties up the ball against Purdue’s Zach Edey in second half action of their Final Four game, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hynan/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State’s Ben Middlebrooks ties up the ball against Purdue’s Zach Edey in second half action of their Final Four game, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hynan/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) is helped up after being injured during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) is helped up after being injured during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) blocks a set attempt by N.C. State’s Jayden Taylor (1) during the second half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) blocks a set attempt by N.C. State’s Jayden Taylor (1) during the second half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
NC State’s DJ Burns defends against Purdue center Zack Edey early in the first half of their NCAA Final Four game, Saturday evening, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State’s DJ Burns defends against Purdue center Zack Edey early in the first half of their NCAA Final Four game, Saturday evening, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Braden Smith (3) knocks the ball from N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Braden Smith (3) knocks the ball from N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) misses a dunk int he first half against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) misses a dunk int he first half against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Horne (0) shoots during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Horne (0) shoots during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts reacts during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts reacts during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) pulls in the ball from Purdue’s Mason Gillis (0) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) pulls in the ball from Purdue’s Mason Gillis (0) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) has a conversation with Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) as they wait for play to resume during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) has a conversation with Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) as they wait for play to resume during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) and Casey Morsell (14), left, defend Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) and Casey Morsell (14), left, defend Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. Casey Morsell (14) drives to the basket against Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. Casey Morsell (14) drives to the basket against Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Breon Pass (10) celebrates hitting a basket during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Breon Pass (10) celebrates hitting a basket during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Mason Gillis (0) battles with N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) for a rebound during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Mason Gillis (0) battles with N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) for a rebound during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts reacts to a foul against his team in the first half against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts reacts to a foul against his team in the first half against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) works against Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) works against Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) puts up a shot against Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) puts up a shot against Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) post up against N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
Purdue’s Zach Edey (15) post up against N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) during the first half in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
NC State’s DJ Burns tries to muscle to the basket against Purdue’s Zach Edey during the first half of their NCAA Final Four game. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State’s DJ Burns tries to muscle to the basket against Purdue’s Zach Edey during the first half of their NCAA Final Four game. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State coach Kevin Keatts watches as his Wolfpack falls behind Purdue in the first half of their NCAA Final Four game, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State coach Kevin Keatts watches as his Wolfpack falls behind Purdue in the first half of their NCAA Final Four game, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State fans cheer on the Wolfpack during their Final Four game against Purdue, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State fans cheer on the Wolfpack during their Final Four game against Purdue, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State coach Kevin Keatts juggles with his players at the beginning of their NCAA Final Four game agains Purdue. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
NC State coach Kevin Keatts juggles with his players at the beginning of their NCAA Final Four game agains Purdue. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
The first of the N.C. State students to arrive for the game against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
The first of the N.C. State students to arrive for the game against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal game on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. greets fans as he walks to the court to warmup before N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. greets fans as he walks to the court to warmup before N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Horne and Michael O’Connell greet fans as they head to the court to warmup before N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DJ Horne and Michael O’Connell greet fans as they head to the court to warmup before N.C. State’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) works on his free throws prior to the Wolfpack’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) works on his free throws prior to the Wolfpack’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Final Four National Semifinal on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett/rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ernest Ross, left, and DJ Burns Jr. head to the locker room before the Wolfpack’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s Ernest Ross, left, and DJ Burns Jr. head to the locker room before the Wolfpack’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts heads to the locker room before the Wolfpack’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts heads to the locker room before the Wolfpack’s game against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semfinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, April 6, 2024. Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com

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