Hold onto your hats, sports fans, because this game was an absolute heart-stopper! Purdue and Nebraska delivered an overtime thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats, and possibly reaching for the defibrillators.
With the score at 46-24 in Purdue's favor with just over 18 minutes left in regulation, it seemed like a comfortable lead. But in a wild turn of events, Nebraska fought back, cutting the deficit to just 4 points. Enter Jack Benter, who sank two crucial free throws to put Purdue up by 14 with 2:45 remaining. Game over, right? Think again.
In a scene reminiscent of the infamous NCAA Tournament loss to Little Rock, Purdue's shooting strategy went awry. They inexplicably opted for a barrage of three-pointers instead of driving to the basket, and the free throw line became their nemesis. Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and CJ Cox all missed from the charity stripe, and the game slipped away. With 13 seconds left, Rienk Mast's and-1 attempt seemed like the final nail, but his missed free throw kept the door ajar. Braden Smith's last-gasp shot fell short, and we were destined for overtime.
Overtime mirrored the madness of regulation. Purdue, up by 5 after a Cox three-pointer, let the lead slip away again. Nebraska took the lead, but luck intervened for Purdue. A missed three by Sam Hoiberg, followed by a Trey Kaufman-Renn rebound, gave Purdue a chance. However, they continued to shy away from attacking the basket, and Loyer's missed three seemed like a fatal error. But wait, there's more! Braden Smith, the smallest player on the court, grabbed the offensive rebound, leading to Oscar Cluff's and-1 play with 5.1 seconds left. Despite missing the free throw, Cox's rebound kept hope alive, only to lose possession on a jump ball. Lady Luck smiled on Purdue once more as Jamarques Lawrence's slip led to Gicarri Harris securing the loose ball. A few free throws and a turnover later, Purdue escaped with a nail-biting win.
This game was a microcosm of Purdue's recent struggles. They started strong, splashing four threes in the opening minutes to take an early lead. But their reliance on the three-point shot became their downfall, attempting a staggering 46 threes while making only 13. The team's refusal to attack the basket remains a mystery, especially with the dominance of Cluff and TKR on the glass. Purdue's 54-37 rebounding edge, including 21 offensive rebounds, highlights a missed opportunity.
Some key takeaways:
- Braden Smith was a rebound away from a double-double, and his absence due to foul trouble in the first half was noticeable.
- Smith's 10 assists moved him past Sherman Douglas on the all-time list, and he's now eyeing Steve Blake's record. With 9-16 games left, it's a tight race.
- TKR's 19 rebounds were a game-changer, showcasing his relentless effort.
- Oscar Cluff's 14 rebounds beg the question: why wasn't Purdue exploiting their paint dominance?
- Cox's late free throws could have sealed the deal, but his three-pointers were pivotal.
- Jack Benter's hustle plays and Omer Mayer's big three were also noteworthy.
- Free throw shooting must improve; 11/20 is a recipe for disaster.
Despite the struggles, this top-10 road win is a massive boost for Purdue. They showcased their potential as the preseason No. 1 team in America, and their ability to bounce back from a late collapse is commendable. With the Big Ten race still wide open, Purdue has a shot at the league crown and a No. 1 seed if they can win out and get some help.
So, was this a sign of Purdue's resurgence, or a lucky escape? The debate is on! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
