WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana – A spirited second-half comeback by the Nebraska Cornhuskers proved insufficient to derail No. 5 Purdue in a thrilling overtime contest at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Tuesday night. The Boilermakers escaped with an 80-77 victory, a result that significantly impacts the Big Ten title race and underscores Purdue’s resilience even in the absence of consistent dominance.
Purdue, propelled by a potent offensive display in the first half, built a lead that peaked at 22 points. However, Nebraska responded with a furious rally, fueled by seven three-pointers and a 14-1 run to close regulation, forcing the game into overtime. The Cornhuskers briefly seized the lead in the extra period, capitalizing on the momentum shift. Purdue’s size and rebounding prowess proved decisive, securing the win with a late layup from center Oscar Cluff with just 5.2 seconds remaining.
The victory elevates Purdue to 10-3 in Big Ten play, tying them with Nebraska and Michigan State, and positioning them just a half-game behind league leader Michigan. While Michigan remains the clear favorite to claim the Big Ten title, Purdue’s remaining schedule – including matchups against Michigan and Michigan State – ensures they will play a pivotal role in determining the conference champion.
Purdue’s offensive efficiency, currently ranked third nationally, is a key factor in their championship aspirations. At 127.1 points per 100 possessions, this iteration of the Boilermakers represents Coach Matt Painter’s most potent offensive squad since taking the helm in 2006. This offensive firepower, combined with a renewed commitment to utilizing their size advantage, gives Purdue a legitimate chance to upset top contenders down the stretch.
A significant contributor to Purdue’s recent resurgence has been the re-emergence of shooting guard Fletcher Loyer. After a seven-game slump in January where he struggled from beyond the arc, Loyer has rediscovered his form, averaging 21.7 points over his last three games. His ability to consistently knock down three-pointers provides a crucial offensive dimension for the Boilermakers.
However, the game also highlighted potential vulnerabilities in Nebraska’s offensive approach. While the Cornhuskers boast a beautiful, analytically-driven offense predicated on perimeter shooting and ball movement, their reliance on the three-point shot can become a liability when facing teams that effectively defend the interior. Nebraska’s struggles to score inside the arc, particularly against Purdue, contributed to their near collapse and eventual defeat.
Nebraska managed only 14 field goals inside the arc, a season low, demonstrating their difficulty in establishing an inside presence against Purdue’s size. This imbalance allowed Purdue to focus its defensive efforts on contesting perimeter shots, ultimately disrupting Nebraska’s offensive rhythm.
The performance of Purdue center Oscar Cluff also proved critical. After a recent dip in production, Cluff delivered a dominant performance against Nebraska, particularly on the offensive glass. He grabbed 14 rebounds, ten of which came on the offensive end, creating numerous second-chance opportunities for the Boilermakers. His presence inside provided a much-needed physical dimension to Purdue’s attack and exploited Nebraska’s lack of a traditional center.
Cluff’s ability to contribute alongside forward Trey Kaufman-Renn, who also secured 19 rebounds, underscores Purdue’s potential to control the paint and dominate the boards. This frontcourt tandem will be crucial for the Boilermakers as they navigate a challenging schedule and prepare for the NCAA Tournament.
Looking ahead, Purdue faces a demanding stretch of games, including road contests against Iowa and matchups against Michigan and Michigan State at home. These games will test the Boilermakers’ resilience and determine their position in the Big Ten standings. Nebraska, meanwhile, will look to rebound against a more favorable schedule, aiming to regain momentum and solidify their position in the conference.
The outcome of these upcoming contests will not only shape the Big Ten race but also have significant implications for both teams’ NCAA Tournament prospects. Purdue’s ability to maintain its offensive efficiency and capitalize on its size advantage will be key to its success, while Nebraska will need to find a more balanced offensive approach to consistently compete against top-tier opponents.
