College basketball season is in full swing, and the first month of action provided plenty of excitement and surprises. As we enter December, it's clear that the Purdue Boilermakers have emerged as the standout team, earning the title of "Team of the Month." Let's take a closer look at their impressive performance and other notable highlights from November.

The No. 1 ranked Purdue Boilermakers showcased their dominance with a series of remarkable victories. In an outstanding three-day stretch, they defeated then-No. 11 Gonzaga, No. 7 Tennessee, and No. 4 Marquette, becoming the first team since Duke in 2012 to go 3-0 in November against top-ranked opponents. Their triumph in the Maui Invitational solidified their position as the top team in the nation.

A key contributor to Purdue's success has been center Zach Edey, who has been a monumental force. Edey's defensive prowess has been particularly impressive, with the team's defensive efficiency significantly improving when he is on the court. His 11.2 block rate places him in the top 25 nationally, and he has played a crucial role in reducing opponents' shooting percentage at the rim from 64.8% last year to 52.1% this year.

Unlike last season, where the team heavily relied on Edey, Purdue's depth has become a major asset this year. They boast a deep roster with 10 players making significant contributions. Two key sophomores, Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, have shown tremendous growth, particularly in scoring and shooting. Additionally, the addition of Southern Illinois transfer Lance Jones has provided extra scoring power in the backcourt. Their collective efforts have resulted in an improved shooting percentage from beyond the arc, with the team shooting over 42% from three-point range compared to 32% last season.

Purdue's path to success doesn't get any easier, as they face tough matchups against Northwestern, Alabama, and Arizona before the new year. However, their dominant performance in November leaves no doubt about their position atop the college basketball landscape.

In the mid-major category, the Colorado State Rams emerged as the team of the month. Boasting a perfect 7-0 record, they impressed with double-digit victories over Boston College and Creighton at the Hall of Fame Classic. Led by fifth-year senior Isaiah Stevens, who averages 17.9 points and 8.3 assists per game, the Rams are poised to make a mark in the Mountain West play.

On the flip side, teams like Maryland and Saint Mary's experienced unexpected struggles in November. Maryland produced disappointing results with losses to Davidson, UAB, and a 57-40 defeat against Villanova, while Saint Mary's suffered defeats to Weber State, Utah, San Diego State, and Xavier. These teams will need to regroup and rebound from a challenging start to ensure a successful season.

In the player category, Zach Edey rightfully earned the title of Player of the Month for his exceptional performances. Averaging 25.3 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks in the Maui Invitational, Edey showcased his dominance on both ends of the court. Additionally, Reed Sheppard of Kentucky emerged as a surprise player of the month, making a significant impact despite being ranked lower among his recruiting class. Sheppard's outstanding performances against Kansas and Miami have elevated his status as one of the best players in the sport.

As college basketball heads into December, fans can expect more thrilling action and surprising outcomes. The performances of teams and players in November have set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.