Purdue Survives Nebraska in Heart-Stopping Overtime Thriller
Purdue basketball staged a dramatic escape in Lincoln, pulling off an 80-77 overtime win over No. 8 Nebraska after a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Boilermakers stormed out of the gates with a blistering 14-1 run and by late in the second half, they were up 46-24, looking in complete control. But what followed was a collapse that had even the most seasoned Purdue supporters holding their breath.
The Cornhuskers mounted an incredible comeback, chipping away at Purdue’s massive lead. Nebraska closed the gap, scoring 12 straight points at one stretch and by the end of regulation, the game was tied at 68-all. Reink Mast, who had struggled early, emerged as a key figure for Nebraska, keeping them in striking distance with clutch shooting. Pryce Sandfort, usually quiet in the first half, exploded late, giving the Huskers a chance to take the lead in overtime.
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For Purdue, Fletcher Loyer led the way with 18 points, while Braden Smith flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds. Yet after their early second-half three-pointers, the pair combined for just six more points, highlighting the team’s struggles to close out the game. Inside, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff did their work on the boards, combining for 33 rebounds, but even their effort couldn’t stop Nebraska from taking its first lead late in overtime.
In a game defined by swings in momentum, Purdue ultimately held on, scoring the final five points after Nebraska briefly led with just over a minute to play. The victory marked coach Matt Painter’s 20th win of the season for the 16th time in his 21-year tenure, a milestone that underscores his sustained success in the Big Ten. Purdue improves to 20-4 overall and 10-3 in conference play, setting up a challenging road test at No. 25 Iowa this Saturday.
This matchup exposed both the resilience and vulnerability of Purdue. Blowing a 22-point lead is a rare sight at this level and it raises questions about the team’s ability to close games under pressure. For Nebraska, the fightback showcased their talent and depth, signaling that the Huskers remain formidable contenders in the Big Ten, even when facing a top-15 opponent on their home floor.
As the season winds down toward March Madness, games like this will be defining moments. Purdue now faces the task of tightening its defense and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. Nebraska, meanwhile, demonstrated they can hang with elite competition, a confidence boost that could fuel a late-season push.
Stay tuned as these teams continue to battle for Big Ten supremacy and follow the latest updates as Purdue and Nebraska gear up for the next chapter in what promises to be a gripping race to the postseason.
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