## A Final Four Rematch, Former Recruit and Coaching Nemesis Await Purdue in San Diego

There, they could face a familiar foe in North Carolina. The Tar Heels won the first NCAA Tournament matchup between the two programs in 2000. Last April, the Cardinals knocked off the Tar Heels 81-77 in the national semifinals.

### Another Shot at Redemption

For Purdue coach Matt Painter, the Final Four will offer a chance to avenge the 2000 loss to North Carolina. As a player for Purdue in the early 1990s, Painter played alongside Matt Nover for three seasons. Nover is now the coach at Davidson, a team that North Carolina defeated 82-68 in the second round.

"There's no love lost between Painter and Roy Williams," said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. "They recruit against each other, they've had a lot of heated games over the years, and it might be the best coaching matchup this tournament has.

### A Battle of Former Teammates

If North Carolina and Purdue do meet in San Diego, it will mark the second time in four years that the Tar Heels and Cardinals have faced off in the Final Four. Two years ago in Houston, North Carolina beat Gonzaga, coached by Mark Few, who was a teammate of Williams and Painter at North Carolina.

"It's a small world in college basketball," Painter said. "I've coached against Roy, I've played against him, and I've even recruited against Mark. It's always fun when you get a chance to face someone you know so well."

### Looking Ahead

With two wins in San Diego, Purdue would claim its third NCAA Tournament championship, joining the 1932 and 1987 teams. The Boilermakers have not reached the Final Four since their loss to North Carolina in 2000.

The Final Four will be held April 4 and 6 at Petco Park in San Diego.

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