The Boilers have a generational big man in Zach Edey — the clear-cut front-runner for national player of the year — a core of perimeter shooters that opens up a different dimension, and a top-20 defense.

At 21-1 overall after Sunday's 77-61 win over the Spartans, Purdue deserves the utmost respect for its record in a conference that could send nine teams to the NCAA Tournament, and a sport that provided absolute chaos again this past weekend. 

Seriously, I'm asking the question: Who's really great in this sport this season?

That's why what Purdue has done is so incredibly impressive, and let's make it clear: We are watching history from Edey.

The following information comes courtesy of Purdue athletics: Based on a 35-game season, Edey is on pace for 775 points, 453 rebounds and 77 blocked shots. The only player we can find in the sports-reference database to have at least 750 points, 450 rebounds and 75 blocked shots in a season is Navy's David Robinson in 1986 (796-455-207).

The Boilermakers completed the season sweep over Michigan State on Sunday with a commanding 16-point win at Mackey Arena. Not only does Purdue have the best player in the sport, but the Boilers have held 23 consecutive opponents under 70 points. Purdue was 93rd in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency a year ago. This year? The Boilers rank 17th.

I still love this Alabama team, and sometimes it just isn't your day. After winning nine straight, nothing went right for the Crimson Tide in Saturday's 93-69 nightmare performance at Oklahoma. Credit to Porter Moser and the Sooners, who held Brandon Miller to just 4-of-14 from the floor. One big-picture concern for Alabama is its over-reliance on tempo and 3-point shooting. 

The flaws came out for the Cyclones on Saturday. TJ Otzelberger's team was off its A-game, turning the ball over 19 times and going 3-for-8 from the free-throw line in a 78-61 loss to Missouri. To beat an elite defense like Iowa State's, you need perimeter shooting, and Dennis Gates' Tigers shot 14-for-30 from downtown. 

This may surprise some folks, but here's why the Illini return to my top 15 for the first time in several weeks: Illinois has won six of its last seven games, winning those six contests by at least nine points each and suffering the one loss to an Indiana team that's itself on a five-game winning streak.