Gonzaga vs Purdue: 2022 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
Gonzaga has a “tall” task on its hands with the Purdue Boilermakers in the semis of the PK85 Legacy Tournament. Can the Bulldogs avoid the upset?
TV schedule: Friday, November 25th, 11:59 pm ET, ESPN2
Arena: Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon
The PK95 Tournaments had a couple of opening games that were supposed to be blowouts but turned into close calls in Duke vs Oregon State and North Carolina vs Portland. Those matchups turned into thrillers, setting the stage for a bunch of quality games. However, one that did end up being a blowout was Gonzaga (4-1), going into triple-digits against Portland State, winning 102-78.
It was an elite offensive performance for the Bulldogs, shooting over 60% from the field and 50% from three-point range. Six players were in double figures, led by 23 points from Malachi Smith off the bench, and 18 from Drew Timme. Hunter Sallis had 12 points and six assists off the bench as well.
The odds were good that Gonzaga was going to win its quarterfinal matchup but its opponent could’ve been either Purdue or West Virginia. However, an early lead was held all night by the Boilermakers and put off a comeback attempt to win, 80-68. Star center Zach Edey had another quality performance, going for 24 points and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes.
It was a balanced effort for the supporting cast of Purdue (4-0), with the other nine players scoring at least four points. Starting forward Mason Gillis was the other player in double figures for the team with 14 points. They shot 51% from the field and made 24 of 28 from the free throw line as well.
For this matchup, it’s all about how the teams defend both Timme and Edey. Gonzaga won its similar matchup with Oscar Tshiebwe and Kentucky, thanks to its supporting cast vastly outplaying their opponents. If they do that with the Boilermakers, it should be an easy victory.
Freshman guards for Purdue (Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith) struggled against the Mountaineers, combining to go 2/9 from the field but 8/8 from the line. They’ll need to do better against the Bulldogs to have the chance at an upset.
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It’s certainly possible and if Edey gets Timme in foul trouble, all bets are off. For barring that, I have Gonzaga taking care of business and getting to the finals.
Prediction: Gonzaga 84, Purdue 72