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Zach Edey’s double-double helps Purdue top Gonzaga, 73-63, in Maui Invitational opener

Sydney Hunte

By Sydney Hunte

Published:

Zach Edey and Purdue men’s basketball are 4-0 after a 73-63 win over Gonzaga in Monday’s 1st round of the Maui Invitational. Gonzaga held a 35-30 halftime lead before the Boilermakers eventually battled back for the win behind 43 2nd-half points.

Edey recorded a double-double on the afternoon with 25 points and 14 rebounds, adding 3 blocks. The senior was 8-of-16 from the floor but was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, sinking 9 of his 10 foul shots. Lance Jones and Braden Smith chipped in 13 points a piece.

Despite a 4-of-17 mark from 3-point range, Purdue was 47 percent from the field while holding Gonzaga to 38 percent. The Zags were led by Graham Ike’s 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman each totaled 11.

Purdue got the better of Gonzaga last season as well. During the Phil Knight Legacy in Portland in Nov. 2022, it came away with an 84-66 win behind Edey’s 23 points. The Boilermakers needed to work a little harder for this one, but they’re perfect in the early going.

Purdue next faces Tennessee, who topped Syracuse 73-56. Tuesday’s tipoff from Honolulu is set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Sydney Hunte