In a fluctuating college basketball game at West Lafayette, Purdue maintained a lead over Illinois despite key player Zach Edey facing foul trouble, playing only 9 minutes in the first half. Edey, who had two fouls, spent the last 8 minutes of the first half on the bench, yet Purdue still managed to secure a 47-32 halftime lead. Illinois initially struggled, trailing 20-4 in the early stages, but began to find their rhythm on offense as the game progressed. Purdue's lead was in single digits when Edey was benched, but they extended it to 57-41 at the first timeout of the second half. Purdue, however, demonstrated their depth with players like Kaufman-Renn stepping up to contribute significantly to the score, leading all scorers with 18 points at one point. Despite Edey scoring only 8 points, Purdue was ahead by 21 at a later stage in the game. Illinois attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to just three points following a three-pointer by Coleman Hawkins, but Purdue's overall performance in the second half highlighted why they are considered national title frontrunners.
For some reason Purdue has stopped giving the ball to Zach Edey. Coleman Hawkins drains a three to cut the lead to three. Great comeback by the Illini, but the Boilers' offense has been gawdawful.
Zach Edey only has eight points … and Purdue leads Illinois by 21. Sheesh.
Illinois has tried to take Edey away, so Kaufman-Renn is feasting. He’s got 18 to lead all scorers. Purdue up 57-41 at the first timeout of the second half.
So, Zach Edey has 2 points at the half … and Purdue is up 15 over Illinois.
Illinois blew a golden opportunity with Edey on the bench over final 8 minutes of the first half. Strangely, Illini destroyed on the glass sans Purdue’s big man. This is a different Boilers team, period. National title frontrunner for myriad reasons.
#Purdue's lead was single digits when Zach Edey picked up his 2nd foul at the 8:03 mark and went to the bench. Purdue 47, Illinois 32, halftime
Purdue scored 47 in the first half against Illinois despite only getting 2 points from Edey in 9 minutes due to foul trouble
Halftime at Purdue: Boilermakers without Edey for the last 8 minutes (two fouls), but still have a 47-32 lead.
Edey has two fouls. Illinois starting to cook on offense. Getting interesting at West Lafayette
Illinois looks awful early. Purdue up, 20-4, with 11:57 left in first half.