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Bracketology 2021: Illinois, Iowa, and Baylor among big winners

By Joey Loose

Michigan guard Mike Smith dribbles against Illinois center Kofi Cockburn, left, and guard Jacob Grandison during the second half of U-M's 76-53 loss at the Crisler Center on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.
Michigan guard Mike Smith dribbles against Illinois center Kofi Cockburn, left, and guard Jacob Grandison during the second half of U-M's 76-53 loss at the Crisler Center on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. /
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Purdue Zach Edey Bracketology Bkc Purdue Vs Indiana
Purdue Zach Edey Bracketology Bkc Purdue Vs Indiana /

Purdue

As the season has progressed, it’s no surprise that some teams have gone through ups and downs. It’s especially common in a conference like the Big Ten, where nearly every night in the league is a battle. Even the best teams in the league have disappointing stretches of play, and that’s certainly true of this Purdue team, that started the season very poorly.

But the Boilermakers were winners again this week, taking care of business at home. They came away with a win over a struggling #25 Wisconsin team on Tuesday. Zach Edey had 20 points in both big wins this week and is really developing as the season nears its end. Saturday’s win felt even better, as the Boilermakers completed the season sweep over rival Indiana.

Despite their abysmal start to the season, Purdue is now 18-8, 13-6 in the Big Ten, and have earned their double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. They played awful at the season’s beginning, especially in losses to Clemson and Miami but have really turned things around. On their resume, the Boilermakers have a pair of wins over Ohio State, Michigan State, and Indiana, plus a few other important victories.

After all, this Purdue team didn’t win 13 Big Ten games by accident. They’ll be a tough out in the postseason, starting with next week’s Big Ten Tournament. It’s very possible that Purdue has worked their way all the way up to a #4 seed, and a great performance next week will certainly help that. The bottom line is that this Boilermakers squad has shown us that they are a contender, but to what extent will they shine in March?

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