Purdue's Zach Edey, Braden Smith Lead Sweet 16 Win vs. Gonzaga, Dazzle CBB Fans

Zach Edey's draft stock is continuing to rise.

Edey and sophomore guard Braden Smith each recorded double-doubles Friday night to lead No. 1 Purdue to a 80-68 Sweet 16 win over No. 5 Gonzaga.

The Boilermakers are now headed to their second Elite Eight appearance in five NCAA tournaments.

Edey recorded his 27th double-double of the season, and his third of the tournament, with 27 points and 14 rebounds.

The big man is projected as a first-round pick in the last 2024 mock draft by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman.

Meanwhile Smith put himself on triple-double watch with 14 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds.

He finished the victory with the seventh-highest assist totals ever recorded in a single NCAA tournament game, per CBS Sports.

In addition to Smith, starting guards Fletcher Loyer and Lance Jones racked up double-digit points totals to help eliminate Gonzaga.

Purdue's dominance while extending their lead in the second half led fans to predict a deep tournament run for the Boilermakers.

Purdue will advance this weekend to take on either No. 2 Tennessee or No. 3 Creighton. A win Sunday would mark the Boilermakers' first trip to the Final Four since 1980.

The Bluejays and Volunteers are set to begin their battle for a spot in the Sweet 16 around 10 p.m. Friday night.