NCAA Basketball: UConn, Iowa State, Auburn rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
3. Purdue (29-4)
The Boilermakers have asserted their place as one of this season’s best teams, but it’s all going to come down to how they play in the Big Dance. With revenge on their minds, can we expect better results this season from the Big Ten regular season champions?
They actually played last Sunday for their regular season finale, winning 78-70 at home over Wisconsin, with 25 points and 14 rebounds from Zach Edey in that affair. Friday saw Purdue’s first Big Ten Tournament contest, as they won 67-62 over Michigan State in the quarterfinals. Edey had 29 points and 12 rebounds. Unfortunately, the Boilermakers faltered in the semifinals, losing 76-75 in overtime to the Badgers, who got quick revenge. Edey was awesome again with 28 points and 11 rebounds while Braden Smith had 10 assists.
All four losses on Purdue’s resume came against Big Ten foes, with two in overtime. Regardless, the entire package of their roster and resume show that this team might be the favorite in March Madness, especially with the hopes of avenging last season’s embarrassment. They couldn’t get the job done in Minneapolis in their league tournament, but Purdue will be very motivated to win in these upcoming weeks.