Red-hot Purdue poised to return to No. 1 in AP Poll

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Zach Edey and Purdue are poised to return to the No. 1 spot in The Associated Press Top 25 Poll on Monday following losses by No. 1 Houston and No. 2 Kansas.

Houston (18-2) was upset at home by Temple on Sunday, 56-55, for just their second loss of the season. Damian Dunn scored 16 in the win for the Owls and Zach Hicks 12.

The final defensive stand from @TUMBBHoops as they take down No. 1 Houston 👏

(via @SportsCenter)pic.twitter.com/0EcYb1PwIQ

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) January 22, 2023

Kansas (16-3), meantime, has lost back-to-back games — at Kansas State on Tuesday (83-82 in overtime) and at home to TCU on Saturday (83-60). Bill Self’s team must turn around and visit No. 21 Baylor on Monday before visiting a suddenly hot Kentucky team on Saturday.

Purdue (19-1), whose only loss this season came at home to Rutgers on Jan. 2, has won six straight after fending off Maryland, 58-55 on Sunday at Mackey Arena.

Edey, the 7-foot-4 Purdue big man who is among the favorites for National Player of the Year honors, went for 24 points and 16 rebounds in the game

Zach Edey recorded his 4th game of at least 24 points and 16 rebounds.

The rest of the country has 11 total and no player with more than 1. pic.twitter.com/Z4EJE0FRaZ

— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) January 22, 2023

Purdue became the fifth Big Ten team since 2000 to start a season 19-1 (2019 Michigan; 2013 Michigan; 2011 Ohio State; 2005 Illinois). The 19-1 record is the best 20-game start in Purdue history.

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