A year after an all-time defeat as the top seed, No. 1 Purdue put itself in the record books for a more positive reason in a 106-67 win over No. 8 Utah State on Sunday afternoon.
The 39-point spread was the largest margin of victory in the Round of 32 since 1999, according to NCAA Director of Media Coordination and Statistics David Worlock.
Reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey was unstoppable in his 26 minutes, putting up 23 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
The Boilermakers’ shooters capitalized on Utah State’s increased attention on Edey down low, hitting 11 threes at a 48% mark.
Purdue will be given a much stiffer test against No. 5 Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 after the Bulldogs ran away with an 89-68 victory over Kansas on Saturday. The Boilermakers won by 10 when the two teams played each other in November.
