State officials reiterated Wednesday they believe the state will be able to safely host the NCAA Men's Division I basketball championship games next month even with fans.

Hotels and restaurants were already preparing to host 68 teams consisting of athletes, coaches, staff and family members. The latest decision allowing up to 25 percent capacity at each venue will increase the number of people coming to Indiana.

Last month, NCAA officials announced all 67 games would be held in Indiana to limit team travel and keep athletes, coaches and staff safe during the pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the NCAA to move the entire 67-game tournament to Indiana, which means the schedule doesn't have to be built with travel concerns in mind.

No official analysis has been done on the economic impact of Indiana hosting this years March Madness games, but officials say they anticipate it to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

In a statement, the NCAA said it is in preliminary talks with state and local officials to potentially host the entire 68-team tournament around the Indianapolis metropolitan area during March and April. Indianapolis was already slated to host the Mens Final Four in April.

The Boilermakers prevailed despite a late push by the Bulldogs.

The win sets up all-Indiana matchup with second-seeded Purdue in the second round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

After a two week break between the Big Ten Tournament and Friday's game, the Boilermakers had to shake off some rust.

The second-seeded Boilermakers face 15th-seeded Cal State Fullerton on Friday in the East Region.