INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Purdue's dominant performance against Utah State in the NCAA Tournament marked another step towards their goal of making a deep run. The top-seeded Boilermakers cruised to a 106-67 victory, led by Zach Edey's impressive 23 points and 14 rebounds.
Purdue's record-breaking season continued as they set a new single-season victory record and established a school record for most points in a March Madness game. Edey's exceptional performance also made history, becoming the first player since 1968 with at least 50 points, 35 rebounds, and a 65.0% field goal percentage through two rounds of the tournament.
Next up for Purdue is a matchup against fifth-seeded Gonzaga in the Midwest Region semifinals in Detroit. Edey emphasized that the team is not satisfied with their current success and aims to achieve more in the tournament.
Utah State's Great Osodor, the Mountain West Player of the Year, contributed 14 points and six rebounds in a losing effort. The Aggies were outrebounded 49-26 and fell short of reaching the regional semifinals for the first time since 1970.
Edey's dominance in the paint was evident as he recorded another stellar performance, showcasing his versatility with 23 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and two steals. His impact on the game was undeniable, drawing fouls and controlling the middle effectively.
Purdue coach Matt Painter praised Edey's presence on the court, highlighting his ability to establish dominance in the paint. The team's depth and balanced performance were key factors in their resounding victory over Utah State.
The upcoming Purdue-Gonzaga matchup is a highly anticipated rematch from November, where Purdue emerged victorious with a 73-63 win in the Maui Invitational. Both teams are gearing up for a competitive showdown in the Midwest Region semifinals.
As the tournament progresses, Purdue aims to replicate the success of past champions and make a strong push towards the Elite Eight. With Edey leading the charge and a talented roster supporting him, the Boilermakers are poised to make a significant impact in the remainder of the NCAA Tournament.
