The showdown between Utah State and Purdue is set to be a real nail-biter, with the Aggies gearing up to face off against the towering Zach Edey. Standing at a towering 7-foot-4 and weighing in at 300 pounds, Edey is a force to be reckoned with, averaging an impressive 24 points and 12 rebounds per game. In their last game against Grambling, he dominated with 30 points and 21 rebounds, making him a major focal point for the Aggies' defense.
Isaac Johnson, from Utah State, recognizes the challenge that lies ahead. While stopping Edey entirely might be a tall order, pun intended, Johnson believes that containing the rest of Purdue's team is key. He emphasized the need to limit Purdue's scoring opportunities and focus on their defensive strategy.
When it comes to facing Edey, Johnson drew parallels to his high school days, recalling a matchup against Matt Van Komen, another 7-foot-4 center. Johnson noted that defending players of Edey's caliber requires immense defensive effort, leaving little energy for offense. However, he expressed confidence in his team's ability to step up and contribute in other areas if needed.
Edey, on the other hand, acknowledged Utah State's strengths, particularly their style of play that focuses on spreading the floor. He highlighted their ability to create mismatches with their 5-man, making them a formidable opponent.
The game is set to take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tipoff scheduled for 12:40 p.m. MT. Fans can catch the action live on CBS.
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