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Purdue managed to secure its first B1G Tournament title since 2009 on Sunday after downing Penn State 67-65. The Boilermakers ended the Nittany Lions’ magical B1G Tournament run.
Sometimes there are just players who are very tough to guard, and Zach Edey was an example of that. Edey finished the game with another double-double, which has become expected of him.
No surprise: Zach Edey’s doing Zach Edey things early.#B1GMBBT x @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/8jDkwgoHf9
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 12, 2023
Edey found success in scoring the basketball early and often. Braden Smith used his playmaking abilities to draw in the Penn State defense and leave Edey enough space for an easy finish at the rim.
The Boilermakers as a whole started clicking during the first half. David Jenkins Jr. nailed a three-pointer to cap off a 9-0 run for Purdue. One of Jenkins’ teammates was double-covered in the paint and completed the pass to the wide open Purdue guard.
Purdue is on a 9-0 run. 💥#B1GMBBT x @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/NdFylqSH4M
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 12, 2023
It helps the Purdue offense out a lot when there are players other than Edey that can score the basketball. Fletcher Loyer was no exception to that as he beat the shot clock for his only three-pointer of the game.
Fletcher Loyer beats the shot clock! 🏹#B1GMBBT x @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/0X6kywaHGA
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 12, 2023
Purdue’s overall effort was on full display, especially from Mason Gillis. Gillis dove on a loose ball during the second half that later landed in Edey’s hands and went for two points.
This basket made possible by @GillisMason‘s effort. 😲#B1GMBBT x @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/2ohVXMkVLX
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 12, 2023
The Boilermakers will now have to wait and see who they’ll be facing in the NCAA Tournament. Party like it’s 2009 Purdue fans.
Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.