Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Overall takeaways from 2020 ACC/Big Ten Challenge

By Tristan Freeman

CORAL GABLES, FL - NOVEMBER 28: The ACC-Big Ten Challenge logo on the floor of the BankUnited Center prior to the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Michigan State Spartans on November 28, 2012 in Coral Gables, Florida. The game is part of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
CORAL GABLES, FL - NOVEMBER 28: The ACC-Big Ten Challenge logo on the floor of the BankUnited Center prior to the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Michigan State Spartans on November 28, 2012 in Coral Gables, Florida. The game is part of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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NCAA Basketball Isaiah Thompson Purdue Boilermakers (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Miami Hurricanes – Impressive gut-check win for the program

While the Hurricanes may not be the most talented team in the world, head coach Jim Larranaga always has them prepared to be competitive. Without three potential starters, including star point guard Chris Lykes, they were able to come back from an 18-point halftime deficit to win a massive game.

Despite making just one three-pointer in the game, Miami somehow was able to win the game. Huge credit to Kameron McGusty, who led all scorers with 18 points and provided great offense. With Lykes back soon and hopefully freshman wing Earl Timberlake by the new year, the Hurricanes are looking to make their own case for NCAA Tournament inclusion.

Purdue Boilermakers – Can Zack Edey and Trevion Williams play together?

The way Purdue lost this game is inexcusable but I have to mention the continued great play of Edey, who scored a team-high 15 points off the bench of 5/5 shooting. He played just 14 minutes and while the team must be careful with the 7’3 freshman and not overwork him but Edey arguably has been the best player on the roster, or at least up there with Williams, who is currently averaging a double-double.

The current frontcourt starter alongside Williams is Aaron Wheeler, who went scoreless against Miami. The Boilermaker offense hasn’t looked great against better competition so far so they may have to see if both Edey and Williams can play on the court for extended periods of time. At least they got Eric Hunter back from injury in the game, scoring 11 points off the bench.

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