The much-anticipated rematch between Zach Edey, the Purdue Boilermakers and the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 has fans buzzing with excitement. Friday’s showdown, scheduled for 7:39 p.m. ET, marks the third encounter between these powerhouse programs in just 16 months.
The previous matchups have seen Purdue emerge victorious, largely due to the dominant play of their towering center, Zach Edey. Standing at an imposing 7-foot-4, Edey has been a force to reckon with, leaving an indelible mark on the court.
In their last meeting during the Maui Invitational in November, Purdue secured a 73-63 triumph over Gonzaga, with Edey delivering a stellar performance. Edey contributed 25 points and 14 rebounds in that contest.
Former Gonzaga All-Americans Dan Dickau and Adam Morrison, speaking on Talking Zags, acknowledged the challenge posed by Edey. However, they expressed optimism about the Bulldogs’ prospects in their third encounter with Purdue. They believe that familiarity with Edey’s game could prove advantageous for Gonzaga, hinting at potential strategies to counter his dominance.
While Purdue enters the matchup as a formidable opponent, questions linger following last year’s NCAA Tournament upset at the hands of Fairleigh Dickinson. Despite Edey’s individual brilliance, critics have scrutinized both his performance and Purdue’s postseason track record.
Head coach Matt Painter, known for his staunch defense of his players, has vehemently dismissed criticisms surrounding Edey’s game. He remains unwavering in his support, emphasizing the team’s collective efforts and dismissing detractors.
The stakes are high as the winner of this highly-anticipated rematch advances to face the victor of the Tennessee-Creighton matchup. For Purdue, securing another victory over Gonzaga would not only solidify their postseason aspirations but also serve as redemption for past disappointments.