Purdue's Zach Edey Outplays NC State's DJ Burns Jr., Wows CBB Fans in Final Four Win
April 7, 2024
It was a battle of the big men at the Final Four.
Purdue center Zach Edey and NC State center D.J. Burns Jr. were catalysts for their respective programs heading into the semi-final matchup, but it was Edey and the Boilermakers who got it done Saturday to advance to the national championship.
NCAA March Madness @MarchMadnessMBBFOR THE FIRST TIME IN 55 YEARS, PURDUE HAS RETURNED TO THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATIONALCHAMPIONSHIP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATIONALCHAMPIONSHIP</a> 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/7hMRF2w0f6">pic.twitter.com/7hMRF2w0f6</a>
The 63-50 victory advanced Purdue to the national championship for the second time in program history. The first occurrence came in 1969, when the Boilermakers lost to UCLA.
Edey had 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, leading his team in scoring. Burns was less effective for the Wolfpack, managing eight points, four assists and one assist. Edey clearly won the matchup, although the two were seen laughing at one point during the game, so they appear to be on friendly terms.
Fans took to social media to hype up Edey's dominance over Burns and the rest of the Wolfpack,
NCAA March Madness @MarchMadnessMBBFresh off winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KareemAward?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KareemAward</a>, Zach Edey got to work in the first half 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoilerBall</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rcvzf3yY9j">pic.twitter.com/Rcvzf3yY9j</a>
Edey and the Boilermakers will now shift focus to the national championship game. Purdue will face either Alabama or UConn in that game as it looks to bring home the elusive championship.
That game will take place on Monday.
