Coming into the Gulf Coast Championship game, Purdue’s defense had held their two opponents to under 30 percent from the floor. In Sunday’s title game, it was Gonzaga’s defense that shined once again, as they forced 21 turnovers and handed Purdue their first loss of the season in an impressive 63-50 victory. Gonzaga returns home to Spokane with a 6-1 record and should be ranked in the top 20 on Monday morning.
The Bulldogs stifled the Boilermakers from the opening tip. Purdue was held to just 20 first half points and Gonzaga led by 11 heading to the locker room.