Purdue Knocks Off No. 1 Arizona in College Basketball Showdown
No. 3 Purdue made a strong case to return to the top of the polls in college basketball as they outlasted No. 1 Arizona 92-84 on Saturday in Indianapolis. This victory improved the Boilermakers to 5-0 in Quad 1 games and solidified their position as a top contender in the NCAA.
The trio of Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Zach Edey combined for an impressive 75 points, leading Purdue to a 15-point lead over the Wildcats. Despite a late charge from Arizona, Purdue held on for the win, handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season.
Arizona’s Caleb Love and Keshad Johnson put up a valiant effort, scoring 29 and 24 points respectively, but they couldn’t overcome the strong performance from Purdue’s guards.
Smith and Loyer dominated in the first half, scoring a combined 32 points and setting the tone for the Boilermakers. Their efforts, combined with Edey’s presence in the paint, proved to be too much for Arizona to handle.
As the Wildcats made a late rally, Purdue relied on Edey to seal the victory. The 7-foot-4 center, and reigning national player of the year, stepped up when his team needed him most, accounting for eight straight points during a crucial offensive lull for the Boilermakers in the second half.
This win marks a significant statement for Purdue as they continue to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. With their performance against the previously undefeated Arizona, the Boilermakers have set the stage for what could be a memorable season.