The stage is set. History awaits both UConn and Purdue. The Huskies can become the first back-to-back National Champions since Florida Gators in 2007. On the other hand, the Boilermakers will be looking for their first championship ever. One of the major battles that will determine this contest will be between Purdue’s Zach Edey and UConn’s Donovan Clingan. The superstar big men have arguably been the best players in the country this year, but how will their battle turn out?

This season, Edey has averaged 24.9 points and 12.2 rebounds while shooting 62.5% from the floor. During March Madness, his numbers have increased considerably, as he is averaging 28 points and 15.4 rebounds so far. Tallying his season total at 946 points, 464 rebounds, 79 assists, and 82 blocks, Edey has garnered 2479 points, 1311 rebounds, 185 assists, and 230 blocks in his four-year collegiate career at Purdue. The 2023 and 24 National College Player of the Year’s career average at Purdue reads 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.

His 30+ point games include a season-high 35 points and 14 rebounds against Northwestern in a 92-88 OT loss. However, he later avenged this loss with a 105-96 OT win, with one of his 30-point performances. Later on in the season, the 7’4 tall center again delivered a 35-point game and clinched an 84-76 win against Michigan. Now, moving to the other side, let’s look at how UConn’s towering Husky, Donovan Clingan’s numbers.

Though a sophomore, Clingan’s punctuality finds its origin in his mother, Stacey’s lesson, “If you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late.” As a result, Clingan’s timeliness has paid off in several clutch plays in crucial games. His 29-point performance against New Hampshire, which the Huskies won 84-64, was one of his best and marked his first 20+ point game in the regular season. He registered his first double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds in a 71-62 win over Butler.

This season, he is averaging 13.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game but his real value is on the defensive end. His efforts have pushed the Huskies to the 9th best defense in scoring in the country, a major improvement from being 33rd last year.

Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan soaring to new heights this year

Clingan’s performances in March Madness have showcased his dominance on both ends of the floor. He scored 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, and led the Huskies to a stellar 91-52 victory, propelling the team to the second round. There, the Huskies rallied past Northwestern with a 75-58 victory and qualified for Sweet 16. Clingan, in this one, registered 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 blocks.

Clingan faced a great defensive team in San Diego in the Sweet 16. He scored 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block, carrying the Huskies to an 82-52 win. Going to the Elite 8, Clingan strapped back on and recorded a double-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks, taking over Illinois with a 77-52 win. On the other hand, Edey has been sensational on offense.

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In the first round, Edey had 30 points, 21 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks against the Grambling Tigers, helping the Boilermakers to the second round with a 78-50 victory. He had 23 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks, carrying Purdue to a whopping 106-67 victory over Utah State in the second round. The Sweet 16 matchup against Gonzaga was a closer contest, but Edey still finished with 27 points, and 14 rebounds in an 80-68 win.

The 21-year-old Edey delivered his personal best of 40 points and 16 rebounds in the 72-66 victory over Tennesse in the Elite Eight. Facing another underdog team, NC State in the Final Four, Edey scored 20 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks and just like that, the Boilermakers advanced to the upcoming finals with a 63-50 Final Four victory.

The Huskies’ recent face-off with Alabama was a simple escape for Clingan as he had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 blocks to take an 86-72 win in the Final Four. The matchup between the two giants will be an exciting one to see. Will Clingan’s defense help UConn slow down Edey?

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