In a compelling showdown at the Maui Invitational in Honolulu, No. 2 Purdue orchestrated a second-half comeback to triumph over No. 11 Gonzaga with a final score of 73-63 on Monday afternoon. The Boilermakers, led by a stellar performance from Zach Edey, secured their victory with game-high totals of 25 points and 14 rebounds.
Despite trailing by as many as nine points before halftime, Purdue mounted an impressive rally in the second half, outscoring Gonzaga 43-28. Edey’s dominance, combined with contributions from Lance Jones and Braden Smith, who scored 13 points each, propelled Purdue to the win.
Edey’s impact was undeniable, opening a crucial 8-0 run with a second-chance layup and securing a dunk off a rebound, ultimately giving Purdue a 48-43 lead. The Boilermakers never relinquished their advantage, with Gonzaga unable to bridge the gap, shooting 0-for-13 from beyond the 3-point line in the second half.
Purdue’s next challenge is set against No. 7 Tennessee in a semifinal matchup scheduled for Tuesday, while Gonzaga will face Syracuse in a consolation game.
Despite Graham Ike’s commendable efforts, leading the Bulldogs with 14 points and seven rebounds, Gonzaga struggled to counter Edey’s prowess and battled foul trouble throughout the game. Nolan Hickman and Ryan Nembhard added 11 points each for Gonzaga.
The first half saw both teams engage in runs, with Purdue taking an early lead before Gonzaga responded with a 14-0 run. Gonzaga’s 35-30 halftime lead was established through a series of impressive plays, including Ike’s second-chance 3-pointer and a dunk.
Edey, limited to 4-of-11 shooting in the first half, showcased his free-throw prowess, converting 7 of 8 attempts to contribute 15 points. Gonzaga’s reliance on the 3-point shot proved less effective in the second half, as they went 0-for-13 beyond the arc.
Purdue’s resilience and Edey’s standout performance highlight a thrilling opening round in the Maui Invitational, setting the stage for further exciting matchups in the tournament.
