Averaging a Double-Double, a Detailed Look Into How Zach Edey Propelled His Team to the Maui Invitational Title

The Purdue Boilermakers emerged triumphant in the Maui Invitational against the Marquette Golden Eagles on Wednesday. What had started as a dream became a fairytale for the Purdue as they won three matches consecutively and remained undefeated during the entire tournament.

Amid the jubilation and elation stands the tallest center – Zach Edey. For the Toronto-born, life has come a full circle. He once used to send countless videotapes to the USA to get an opportunity to ply his trade there. But now, he has cemented his name in history post propelling his team to the Maui Invitational Title. The highs and lows in these three days will forever be etched in Edey’s memory.

Purdue Boilermakers vs Gonzaga Bulldogs 73-63

The Boilermakers kicked off their journey by playing their first game of the Maui Invitational against the Gonzaga Bulldogs on November 20 at the Stan Sheriff Centre. Both the teams were vying for dominance over each other and both the halves script a different story.

While the Boilermakers lagged behind by 5 points during the first half, they completed their recovery by decimating the Bulldogs by a margin of 43-28 in the second half. Potting a game high of 25 points, Edey was instrumental in helping his team win their first game. Furthermore, the 21-year-old achieved a double-double as he grabbed 14 rebounds.

In short, the game was a complete Edey display since he assisted his team in coming back during the second half and took full advantage of his height by contributing in both points and rebounds.

Purdue Boilermakers vs Tennessee Volunteers 71-67

The next game saw the Boilermakers fight it out against the Tennessee Volunteers. The Volunteers looked in good form after they had won their first game against the Syracuse Orange. While the Tennesse edged past the Boilermakers during the first half by narrow margin of 31-30, the Purdue outclassed them during the second half by a decent margin of 41-36.

The 7-feet-4-inch player stood at the center of the Boilermaker’s victory by amassing 23 points with 10 rebounds. This was his second consecutive double-double in the Maui Invitational. Edey however had sufficient support in this match as guard Fletcher Loyer basketed a game high of 27 points.

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With this victory, the Purdue advanced to the Finals of the tournament where they were to lock horns with the Marquette Golden Eagles.

Purdue Boilermakers vs Marquette Golden Eagles 78-75

The most anticipated match of the Maui Invitational was held at the Stan Sheriff Center. It was quite an interesting game since the Purdue outfoxed the Marquette during the first half, falling to their trap during the next one.

The Purdue smashed 45 points in the first period of play whereas the Marquette could only score 33 points. The game turned quite a nail-biter when during the second period the Marquette tried to recuperate, smoking 42 points in an answer to the Purdue’s 33.

Edey hit the jackpot for the third time in a row in the Maui Invitational, besotting a game-high remarkable 28 points and nabbing 15 rebounds. It was Edey’s third consecutive double-double at the Maui.

Overall, the Purdue narrowly won the Finals, defeating the Golden Eagles by a 78-75 tally.

A lot of critics had previously opined the result in favor of the Marquette, but Edey proved them wrong by showing how consistent he can be. Overall, Edey averages 23 points in the six games he has played this NCAA season with 11.5 rebounds. 

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And if he continues these brilliant performances, who knows if Edey can guide his team to a national title.