The men’s college basketball division is getting heated, with every poll bringing out another top team. In the same light, it is essential to ask about the top teams and who is worthy of winning it all. Both UConn Huskies and Purdue Boilermakers are turning heads with their epic performances in every match this NCAA. While the two have been in a tug of war when it comes to climbing to the top spot, it is necessary to dive into the reasons why either deserve to be the top dog in their category.

Even more so, it is only fair to first compare these two top-tier teams head to head, before moving ahead.

UConn vs Purdue : A race to the top

The Huskies and the Boilermakers have been at each other’s throats for some time now. Even in the 2022-23 season, the two seem to be see-sawing with the leaderboard. UConn is known for not giving up points and never playing a close game. In 17 matches so far, they have only closely lost to two teams. On the other hand, they have won from the rest with a large to decent difference of at least ten points.

Out of these, only three teams have been able to keep the difference within an average of five points while UConn still came on top. Currently, their scoring average of 83.1 points per game places them at the 31st position overall. However, they are a better team in distributing assists. They stand at the 13th position with an assist rate of 18.5 per contest.

The Purdue Boilermakers practice keeping patience, until their time to strike arrives and they go all in. While they have had quite a few close games, the Boilermakers managed to win over some of the giants like Gonzaga Bulldogs and Marquette Golden Eagles. The two matches they lost in their up-to-the-mark 17 games so far have been close as well. Moreover, fans got an overtime thriller in the Welsh-Ryan Arena, Illinois, as the Wildcats and Boilermakers caught each other in overtime.

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Contrastingly, they have a better scoring average. They land 85 points per game, placing them at the 17th in the current standings. Further, they are also a better team in terms of assists per game. They presently have an average of 19.1 assists per game, putting them at a decent 9th position. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, both UConn and Purdue are coming toward the business end and the top mark with full force and determination to win it all.

Let us see what makes the UConn Huskies such a good team in the men’s college basketball this season.

Inside the defending champions

UConn is testing the time and other teams with its impeccable balling this season, leaving the fans baffled. There is no question that Dan Hurley has mentored a strong roster. Leading their offensive front in total and average points is their senior guard Cam Spencer. He jacked 266 points so far this season and averaged a fair 15.6 points per game. Building this up is Tristen Newton with 6.1 assists per game this season. Adding to their offensive strategy is their No. 11 forward Alex Karaban with a 54.4 field goal percentage so far this season.

However, the Huskies do need to work a bit more on their defensive side to prevent giving up points. Currently, their team leader for defense is Tristen Newton with 6.5 rebounds per game. Cam Spencer is also on top of the stealers with an average of 1.5 steals per game. Supporting their defensive approach is Donovan Clingan with 2 blocks on average per game in this season so far.

In comparison to the Huskies, is the Purdue Boilermakers that also seem to have their fair share of good ballers on their side.

What makes Purdue an eligible title contender

Clearly, there is no denying that not many teams have the motivation that Purdue carries with it in this season. Their freshmen have now become sophomores with adequate experience to move them further in the tournament. Further, they have one of the best ballers in college basketball– Zach Edey. If this wasn’t enough, their defense is further strengthened with the inclusion of Lance Jones this season. Currently, Zach leads their offensive and defensive front with an average of 22.3 points, 64.5 field goal percentage, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. Additionally, the Boilermakers have Braden Smith leading with an average of 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

Undoubtedly, these teams have the skill and potential required to be at the top of the top. Both are walking into the final stages of the NCAA tournament with a good 15-2 streak. Fans can merely wait to see how these teams perform to get on the top of the ladder before the other.

What do you think about these two teams? Let us know who you think should be on the top of it all in the comments below.

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