Purdue’s offense proved to be more than just Zach Edey as they secured a win over Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 with a score of 80-68. Gonzaga focused on defending Edey, but Purdue’s lethal halfcourt offense responded with successful 3-point shots in the first half. When Gonzaga switched to single coverage on Edey in the second half, he dominated and scored inside, showcasing Purdue’s inside-out game that has them as top contenders for the national title. Despite Gonzaga keeping pace with their offense in the first half, Purdue eventually wore them down and pulled away for the win.
Edey shined in the game, scoring 27 points and grabbing 14 rebounds while shooting efficiently from the field. Purdue as a team exhibited a strong shooting performance, with three starters alongside Edey scoring in double figures. Gonzaga struggled to keep up, shooting subpar percentages from the field and 3-point range. Purdue’s offense, led by Edey and supported by elite shooters, has been a force all season, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
Purdue’s success this season is attributed to their strong shooting, particularly from the 3-point line, where they lead the nation with a 40.9% success rate. This is a significant improvement from last year’s team, which struggled from beyond the arc. The addition of elite shooters surrounding Edey has made Purdue virtually unstoppable when their shots are falling, as was evident in their game against Gonzaga. Braden Smith and Lance Jones were key contributors alongside Edey, showcasing Purdue’s depth and versatility on offense.
With the win over Gonzaga, Purdue is now one victory away from reaching the Final Four, a feat that seemed out of reach for them last season. They will face Tennessee in the next round, with the opportunity to advance further in the tournament. Purdue’s combination of Edey’s dominance in the paint and their sharpshooting from deep makes them a formidable team that can compete with the best in the nation. Their balanced offense and strong defense have been key factors in their success this season.
Overall, Purdue’s victory over Gonzaga highlighted their offensive firepower beyond just Zach Edey. The combination of Edey’s dominance in the paint and their sharpshooting from outside makes them a challenging team to defend against. With a potent offense and solid defense, Purdue has positioned themselves as serious contenders for the national title. Their balanced scoring, efficient shooting, and depth on the roster make them a force to be reckoned with in the tournament. Looking ahead, Purdue will look to continue their strong performance and advance to the Final Four as they face tough competition in the next round.
