Purdue Boilermakers clinched a 93-85 win over Arizona Wildcats in a thrilling college basketball game. Purdue's guards, Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith, shone brightly, while Zach Edey scored crucial points. Arizona, despite implementing a zone defense and an 11-0 run, was unable to overcome Purdue's lead due to turnover issues and weak perimeter defense. A 5-0 run by Purdue in the final minutes sealed the victory.
Purdue has pushed its lead back to 10 with 3:26 left. Some good halfcourt execution for a 5-0 run. Arizona up against it now.
Zach Edey gets good position, turns over his left shoulder for an easy bucket -- Arizona calls timeout and Purdue's lead is suddenly back to 10 with 3:26 left. Boilermakers have weathered all the Wildcats' runs up to this point. Does Arizona have one more in them?
Purdue against this Arizona zone defense https://t.co/pCa09kCD0I
Count Purdue for five turnovers in the last three minutes or so. Arizona has gone to a zone on a few possessions. Rattling the Boilers.
Arizona come out the timeout in a zone. Purdue almost turned it over again
Arizona's right back in it! Arizona. Purdue. @Peacock. https://t.co/qM7WDp6NcS
Arizona's run now up to 11-0 and Purdue's lead is down to four with 10:22 left -- Wildcats getting out in transition, making good decisions in the paint. Purdue has turned it over three times in the last 90 seconds -- had zero turnovers in the first eight minutes of the half.
Folks, Arizona is only down 4 and Purdue has called timeout.
Arizona runs off seven straight points to stay within striking distance -- Purdue still up 10. Motiejus Krivas giving the Wildcats some good minutes defensively, keeping Zach Edey from getting position close to the basket. Forced him into a couple longer, contested jump hooks.
This Purdue Arizona game is 🔥🔥🔥
Ignore Arizona's 55% shooting. #Purdue's defense has been lights out today
Josh Pastner is right. Arizona has to tighten up on the guards, which means Edey is going to get more clean looks. When Purdue's guards are hitting like this, it's nearly impossible to beat.
Purdue leads by 11 at the half and instead of the big guy leading the way, it’s the little guys. Loyer and Braden Smith have 32 points on 13-19 from the floor and 6-9 from 3.
HALFTIME: No. 3 Purdue 49, No. 1 Arizona 38. Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith have been sensational for the Boilermakers. Arizona has missed some easy ones around the basket and have had turnover issues. Wildcats need to guard the perimeter more effectively, though.
Game tied at 26. Arizona is 3-3 from three while Purdue is only 2-9. Combine that with Edey only having four points and Purdue is probably happy with this score
Arizona 4 fouls, Purdue 1.
Purdue-Arizona is everything we hoped it would be. Fast, fun, and basically no stoppages. More, please!
Arizona-Purdue is not un-fun.
The start to Arizona-Purdue was absolutely beautiful: 17-17 tie with NO timeouts for more than eight minutes of game clock. First timeout at 11:47.
Arizona is getting killed on the offensive glass. That needs to change with how good Purdue is offensively.
Arizona-Purdue being played at a high level already. This is very fun!
Purdue is all over the offensive glass early on, but Arizona's perimeter defense is giving them some trouble.
Game 2: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 3 Purdue. Two of the best teams. Two of the best coaches. https://t.co/uHywX0kbef
Breakdown: Arizona vs. Purdue https://t.co/FFwVKMIlCW
Arizona stays atop AP poll ahead of Purdue game - via @ESPN App https://t.co/SRBftOFZIg
The Messenger’s College Basketball Top 25: Next Weekend’s Arizona Wildcats-Purdue Boilermakers Matchup Looms Large https://t.co/G1BFin3xyx
Arizona or Purdue: Who you taking??? https://t.co/LSc10z3Eqv