In a highly anticipated Big Ten matchup, the Purdue Boilermakers are gearing up to face off against the Wisconsin Badgers on Sunday afternoon in Madison. The clash would have determined sole possession in the conference if it weren't for Wisconsin's recent setback against Nebraska.

On Thursday, Wisconsin suffered a massive collapse against Nebraska. The Badgers had an 18-point lead before the Huskers stormed back to win in overtime. Despite the setback, Wisconsin still maintains a strong position in the conference.

Purdue, on the other hand, has been on an impressive winning streak, securing six consecutive victories and currently sitting atop the Big Ten standings. Their most recent win came in an overtime battle against Northwestern on Wednesday.

The Boilermakers boast the number one offense in college basketball, according to KenPom. A key component of their success lies in the unstoppable force that is Zach Edey. Measuring in at 7-foot-4, Edey draws over nine fouls per 40 minutes and ranks within the top five in several Big Ten metrics.

To slow down Edey, opponents often resort to double-teaming him. However, Edey's strong passing ability allows him to kick the ball back to the perimeter, creating opportunities for open shooters. Nearly 30 percent of all Purdue's three-point attempts are open, further cementing their offensive prowess.

Last season in Madison, Purdue narrowly defeated Wisconsin with a 63-61 victory. In that game, the Boilermakers struggled from beyond the arc, shooting only 21 percent from three-point range. Edey made a significant impact with 17 points and 19 rebounds.

Despite their success, Purdue has made a crucial addition to their roster this season. Lance Jones, a transfer from Southern Illinois, brings much-needed strength and depth to their backcourt, addressing their previous struggles against physical guards.

Wisconsin aims to dictate the pace of Sunday's game, emphasizing a slow and deliberate style of play. Purdue's defense is not known for forcing turnovers, which may give the Badgers' guards, like AJ Storr, an opportunity to shine.

Although Wisconsin's offense ranks seventh overall, most of their scoring is derived from attacking inside and drawing fouls. However, Purdue's well-equipped defense, anchored by the dominant Edey, poses a significant challenge to the Badgers' approach.

Storr has emerged as a key player for Wisconsin, responsible for more than 34 percent of all shots by the team. He enters the matchup after two impressive 28-point performances and will play a crucial role in keeping the Badgers within striking distance.

One area of concern for Wisconsin is their defense, particularly their vulnerability to opponents' three-point shooting. Ranking 308th in 3-point defense, the Badgers were reminded against Nebraska how quickly a team can claw back when given open opportunities from beyond the arc.

Purdue, on the other hand, excels in three-point shooting, currently ranking fifth in the country with a remarkable 40.4 percent success rate. Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer have been instrumental in this area, shooting over 42.5 percent from deep this season.

With multiple paths to success, Purdue and Edey have a clear advantage over Wisconsin, who have struggled defensively. Wisconsin will employ various strategies to create a slow-paced game, aimed at limiting Edey's impact. Nevertheless, Edey's dominance on the court appears inevitable.

As the two Big Ten heavyweights prepare to collide, basketball fans eagerly anticipate an exciting showdown in Madison on Sunday, which promises to showcase the remarkable skills of both Purdue and Wisconsin.