Team hopes for Final Four trip

By Anne McLaren and Kyle Charters

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Every time the Boilers walk into their locker room, they see a picture of the Kiel Center in St. Louis hanging on a wall. Now, they want to actually visit the Midwestern arena, which is the site of the NCAA tournament’s Final Four this year.

"It’s one of the goals we haven’t accomplished," said Purdue coach Kristy Curry.

No. 3 seed Purdue (29-6) plays No. 4 seed Xavier (31-2) at 8 tonight in the Mideast Regional Final in Birmingham-Jefferson Arena. The winner advances to the Final Four to face the West Regional champ — either the region's No. 5 seed, Southwest Missouri State, or No. 6 seed Washington.

"I’m not sure anyone expected Xavier and Purdue to be playing for the right to go to the Final Four," said Curry. "We expect to have a great basketball game. We have a lot of respect for them."

The Boilers earned their third Elite Eight appearance in four years after being second-seeded Texas Tech (25-7) 74-72 on Saturday. Four of Purdue’s five seniors have been part of those Elite Eight teams. Katie Douglas, Camille Cooper, Candi Crawford and Mo-nique Langston have also been to the Final Four — in 1999 when they won the national championship.

"Some of the underclassmen might get the jitters and be a little anxious," said Douglas. "We’ll try to calm them down because I know I was the same way playing in the Elite Eight my freshman year."

During Douglas’ freshman year, the Boilers lost to Louisiana Tech in the Midwest Regional Finals. The following season, Purdue beat Rutgers in the Midwest Regional on its way to the NCAA Championship. Last year, the Boilers got upset by Oklahoma in the second round.

"We’re going to try to use some of those experiences that we’ve had, being here in this position," said Douglas. "We know that Xavier is a great team so it’s not like we’re just going to go out there and win — it’s going to be a great game."

Curry hopes the outcome of the game makes the picture on the wall a reality.

"As I tell my kids, we’re going to seize the moment," said Curry. "We’re 40 minutes from what you dream about and what you play for."

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Sports editor:
Paul Trembacki

Assistant sports editor:
Anne McLaren

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