Purdue Basketball Defeats NC State for Title Game Berth: 3 Takeaways

Purdue basketball rolled over NC State, 63-50, to clinch a berth in the National Championship Game.

Purdue basketball was in control from the tip. NC State just could not string baskets together. Zach Edey & Co. now turn their attention to the 9 p.m. game between Alabama and UConn.

Takeaway #1: This was a Purdue home game

I mean, talk about overwhelmingly Purdue.

The NC State student section was set up on the north side of the court, just behind the TNT Halftime Show desk. There was red scattered throughout, but for the most part, it was all black and gold.

Purdue shot well, and each time the ball found the net State Farm Stadium erupted. The Boilermakers, as a team, shot 40% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, so there was a ton for the Purdue faithful to cheer about.

NC State actually kept it close for most of this game, but the turning point was about 13 minutes to go. Purdue had finally created some distance between them and the Wolfpack, and State Farm Stadium got LOUD. It wasn’t just a section, the entire dome was deafening. You have to imagine that takes a toll on an opposing team, neutral site or not.

It just goes to show how much of an impact a fanbase can have on a game if it travels well.

Takeaway #2: Zach Edey might be unstoppable

We knew the Purdue center was good. Only a handful of guys have multiple Player of the Year awards under their belt.

But with how well DJ Burns Jr. was playing, and how strong he is, many predicted Edey to have a tough time backing him down.

If a 20-point double-double is a “tough time,” either UConn’s Donovan Clingan or Alabama’s Grant Nelson have one heck of a challenge coming their way.

There is a narrative on social media and in the college basketball community in general that states that Zach Edey is all height. I’m going to respond to that narrative the way these same people respond to anyone who disagrees with them: You don’t know ball.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s predictable. Move #1 is a drop step, Move #2 is a baby hook. But even with that knowledge, it’s near impossible to stop.

Edey’s footwork is immaculate. He gets the most out of every step, and a 7-foot-4 center has quite the stride. He moves with a purpose, he moves faster than most 7-footers in the post. He changes ends well, he’s a force on defense around the rim.

He also understands that he can be used as a decoy. It was obvious that NC State planned to send help every time Edey put the ball on the floor. After the first couple of times, Edey timed up his dribble, even faking a few times to see who was coming his way. After that, it was one dribble and kick. He racked up four assists with this alone.

Do you want to argue that he’s not an NBA talent because of the way the league has shifted? Be my guest. But stop trying to convince me that Edey isn’t a generational college basketball player.

Takeaway #3: Purdue will be a tough draw for UConn

Purdue basketball is so tough to match up with.

Opponents shoot 31.7% from three-point land against the Boilermakers. Three-point shooting is a big part of Alabama’s game; the Crimson Tide shoots over 37% from beyond the arc.

Purdue also ranks second in the nation in three-point shooting. They are not JUST Zach Edey. That being said: Having Zach Edey is a problem in itself.

If you play Purdue, Edey gets help sent his way. It’s just a matter of fact. In order to stop the Edey attack inside, you have to risk getting beat by the three-ball. If Purdue starts hitting their shots from the perimeter, you have to trust that your big man can stop Edey.

Neither option is good.

The best chance that either team has against Purdue is to play almost exclusively in transition. Keep Edey out of the paint when on offense, get the easy lane without him there. When Edey starts playing conservatively to make up for this, he will be less of a factor on offense.

This method is a 40-minute grind, and in essence ineffective. Whoever gets Purdue on Monday is in for one heck of a battle.