NCAA Basketball: Purdue, Marquette rise in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
1. Purdue (6-0)
Before this season began, we knew that this Purdue team could be really special. A squad that featured the national player of the year (Zach Edey) and some young developing talent around him won the Big Ten but were embarrassed on the nation’s biggest stage. Many of those same faces are back this season, with revenge possibly on the mind for these Boilermakers. Regardless of their inspiration, the early weeks of this season have shown that it’s full speed ahead in West Lafayette.
Purdue went overseas and managed to win the entire Maui Invitational, knocking off three ranked opponents in three days. On Monday, they had a strong effort in their opening game, winning 73-63 over a talented Gonzaga squad, getting 25 points and 14 rebounds from Edey. The combination of Edey (23 points) and Fletcher Loyer (27 points) delivered a classic 71-67 win for the Boilermakers over Tennessee. They capped their trip by winning the title 78-75 over a great Marquette team, getting a 28-point, 15-rebound performance from Edey.
Winning three games against ranked foes in three days in an environment like this; we don’t have to tell you that this is an incredible feat. Purdue proved that they are the nation’s best team with their work in Maui while Edey announced to the nation that he has his eyes on a second national player of the year award. Purdue gets to ease back into the mainland with Texas Southern but do get their first taste of Big Ten action at Northwestern next weekend.
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We’ve completed our deep dive into all of the Top 25 teams in the nation; do you agree with these rankings? Which of these teams will stand out in the weeks and months ahead?