Zach Edey, Purdue Draw Rave Reviews from Fans After March Madness Rout vs. Utah State

Doric SamMarch 24, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 24: Zach Edey #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers shoots a free throw against the Utah State Aggies during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

After last season's first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament, it's clear that Purdue star center Zach Edey is on a mission.

The two-time consensus first-team All-American put forth his second straight monster performance on Sunday to help the top-seeded Boilermakers trounce No. 8 Utah State 106-67 and reach the Sweet 16 for the second time in the last three years and 14th time in program history. It was the most points by Purdue in an NCAA Tournament game in program history.

Edey finished with 23 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals in the blowout victory. He shot 8-of-11 from the field and made seven of his eight free throws. He had 21 points and 11 rebounds in the first half alone, and he was pulled early in the second half when Purdue opened up a lead of as much as 41 points.

Edey's dominant showing on Sunday came after his 30-point, 21-rebound outing in the first round on Friday against No. 16 Grambling State. He's shot 67.9 percent from the field through two tournament games.

Fans on social media couldn't help but praise Edey for his second straight impressive performance to lead the Boilermakers to the Sweet 16:

CBS Sports @CBSSports
The <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoilerBall</a> faithful appreciate Zach Edey's performance so far today: 23 PTS 14 REB 12 mins left in the game <a href="https://t.co/gVTI1Ku6JK">pic.twitter.com/gVTI1Ku6JK</a>

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Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Everyone who tried picking a Purdue upset…<a href="https://t.co/imokTQCYpG">pic.twitter.com/imokTQCYpG</a>

Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
Zach Edey out here dominating with 21-11 at half… but majority of NBA GMs are going to say he don't past "Eye Test" we are living in crazy in times! God Bless America

Dick Vitale @DickieV
The <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoilerBall</a> led by Purdue's the one & only ZACH EDEY (21-11) the most INTIMIDATING FORCE in college hoops ..They r up 16 at half vs UTAH STATE. Now during break take a quick moment & get a CHANCE TO WIN A 2024 BMW-get chances at <a href="https://t.co/9azhd5N2al">https://t.co/9azhd5N2al</a>

Purdue Men's Basketball @BoilerBall
Insane... A 20-10 double-double in the first half for Zach Edey.

Pat Forde @ByPatForde
Edey after 60 minutes of NCAA Tournament play: 51 points, 32 rebounds.

Carter Elliott @CarterElliott__
Listen yall when it comes to professional hating I am one of the best in the business. I don't just hate when it's convenient, I hate when others choose not to or don't have the drive to do so. Denying/hating on what Zach Edey does is crazy even for a hater of my pedigree

Greg Waddell @gwizzy12
Edey had 16 PTS, 12 REB, 2 AST at half vs. Grambling Edey has 21 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST at half vs. Utah State He's out-playing some of the best bigs' best NCAAT run averages…in the 1st Half 05 S. May: 22/11/2 09 T. Hansbrough: 17/8/1 12 A. Davis: 14/12/3 15 F. Kaminsky: 22/9/2

Jared Berggren @jberggren40
This is how everyone feels playing against Edey 🤦🏼‍♂️ 😂 <a href="https://t.co/ShSeidsgoa">pic.twitter.com/ShSeidsgoa</a>

Kevin Sweeney @CBB_Central
Stats don't always show it, but it's unbelievable how much better Zach Edey has gotten in the last year at the small stuff. The passing, the processing, the way he runs the floor, the way he generates position and angles. Has put on a clinic in this half.

Cole Adams @coleadamss
Me liking all of the posts hating on Zach Edey <a href="https://t.co/wZLx97ZCTA">pic.twitter.com/wZLx97ZCTA</a>

Merrick McGraw @_mjm4
Zach Edey is one of the best college basketball players of all time. Argue with the wall — see you next weekend, <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoilerBall</a>!!!! Let's go! 🚂

Purdue became just the second No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed in NCAA Tournament history last season. Edey and the Boilermakers played inspired basketball over their first two tournament games, so it looks like they are motivated to erase the memory of last year's elimination.

In addition to Edey's big day, Trey Kaufman-Renn added 18 points and eight rebounds and Fletcher Loyer notched 15 points and six assists.

Purdue will face No. 5 Gonzaga in a marquee Sweet 16 matchup on Friday.

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