Boilers prep for top-seeded UConn

PHOENIX, Ariz. (WISH) - It was less then three months ago at the University of Phoenix Stadium where the Arizona Cardinals beat the Philadelphia Eagles to earn a trip to the Super Bowl. It was a great story of the underdog winning.

Now, Purdue hopes to do the same thing at the same stadium -- only on the hard court. The Boilers appear to be enjoying their underdog role as they look to knock off top-seeded UConn in the Sweet 16.

“It’s us against the world, you know. Nobody else believes in us. We got to have our coaches, our players, our training staff, everybody, to believe. If you can get that, you are one step ahead of everyone else. You know, we just have to go at them and we have to play one of the best games of the season," said Junior guard Chris Kramer.

Sophomore Robbie Hummel added, “I think we were really counted out of the Washington game by the media, but we are ok with that. UConn is a good team and for us to beat them, we are going to have to play well."

Purdue spent Wednesday afternoon at the University of Phoenix Stadium, practicing for the showdown. Sophomore JaJuan Johnson said he's looking forward to beating everyone's expectations.

“We pretty much don’t have anything to lose. You know, everybody is already counting you out. We just stay together as a team. Not too many people outside of the Purdue family, you know, Purdue faithful, really think we are going to win this game. So, proving people wrong would be good.”

Head coach Matt Painter believes his team is riding high after the last couple of games. The Boilers seem confident, even knowing the Huskies have outscored their first two tourney opponents by an average of 41 points.

“It’s a better opponent, it’s a bigger opponent. But we had some success against the Pac 10 champs. They are out of the Big East, which obviously had an unbelievable year and they have a lot of very, very good players. But I think our guys are confident and are ready to play.”

Last time Purdue met UConn was 16 years ago, when Matt Painter was on the court, playing. Purdue won 76-69.