Purdue’s Boilermakers have once again proven that they are a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. In a stunning display of skill and strategy, they outplayed Gonzaga with an 80-68 victory that was nothing short of spectacular. The Sweet 16 clash was a testament to Purdue’s multifaceted offense, which is so much more than just the towering presence of Zach Edey. Gonzaga discovered this the hard way, as their defensive focus on Edey was met with a relentless barrage of 3-pointers from the Boilermakers.
The game started with Gonzaga doubling down on Edey, but Purdue’s response was swift and sharp. They lit up the scoreboard with a 7-of-13 effort from beyond the arc in the first half alone. When Gonzaga switched tactics in the second half, offering Edey single coverage, he capitalized by overpowering his defenders and scoring with ease. This lethal inside-out combination has positioned Purdue as a top contender for the national title.
Gonzaga tried to keep up, matching Purdue’s fiery offense with their own impressive shooting, but as the game progressed, they began to falter. The turning point came when senior Gonzaga forward Anton Watson was benched due to foul trouble, and Purdue seized the opportunity to go on a 14-2 run, effectively sealing the game.
Edey was a feast for the eyes, racking up 27 points and 14 rebounds, while Purdue as a whole shot an impressive 57.1% from the field and 45% from 3-point range. Gonzaga, despite their efforts, couldn’t keep up, shooting 49.2% from the field and 31.6% from 3. The Boilermakers’ balanced attack was too much for the Bulldogs, with three Purdue starters scoring in double figures alongside Edey.
This isn’t a new phenomenon for Purdue. Edey, the presumptive two-time consensus National Player of the Year, has been the focal point of attention, but it’s the elite shooters surrounding him that have made the difference this season. Purdue’s rise to the nation’s No. 1 3-point shooting team is a stark contrast to last year’s performance, and it’s a key factor in their current unstoppable form.
The Boilermakers’ Braden Smith deserves a spotlight of his own. His near triple-double performance against the Bulldogs, with 14 rebounds, 15 assists, and eight rebounds, was nothing short of phenomenal. Smith, along with Lance Jones, Fletcher Loyer, and Mason Gillis, each hit two 3-pointers, leaving Gonzaga with the impossible task of choosing which threat to neutralize.
Purdue stands just one win away from the Final Four, a stark turnaround from last season’s early exit from the NCAA tournament. They’ll face Tennessee on Sunday, and if their performance against Gonzaga is any indication, they’re more than ready for the challenge.
Purdue’s victory over Gonzaga was a showcase of basketball excellence. The Boilermakers demonstrated that they are not just a one-man show but a well-rounded team with the ability to dominate from anywhere on the court. With the Elite Eight on the horizon, Purdue’s dream of reaching the Final Four is alive and well, fueled by their dynamic offense and the indomitable spirit of players like Edey and Smith. Boiler up, because Purdue basketball is elite, and they’re not done yet.
