Before the first half ended, Purdue was the only B1G Champions. Then Purdue obtained the win in addition.
Stats
Zach Edey: 17 factors, 19 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
Fletcher Loyer: 13 factors, 2 assists
Max Klesmit: 19 factors, 4 rebounds, 1 help
Chucky Hepburn: 13 factors, 2 rebounds, 1 help
For the second straight recreation, Purdue appeared to clinch a title. This time round, Purdue wanted a win or Michigan loss to be topped the solo Big Ten Champions. Michigan – Illinois tipped at 6 PM CT, 2 hours earlier than the Purdue – Wisconsin recreation, so it was possible Purdue knew their standing earlier than their opening tip. Then Michigan and Illinois went into 2 overtimes, however Illinois got here out with a victory, clinching the crown for the Boilermakers. Purdue nonetheless had a recreation to play, and so they got here up with a gritty win by which pictures weren’t falling once more.
First Half
Both groups got here out a bit flat on this one as Purdue struggled to shoot the ball (once more) however so did Wisconsin, as each groups teetered across the 25% mark for some time. Zach Edey started the sport capturing 1-6 from the free throw line, which is extremely uncharacteristic. Edey and Fletcher Loyer would lead Purdue on the half with 9 factors apiece, however credit score must be given to Brandon Newman. The junior out of Valpo obtained the beginning after his efforts in opposition to IU and he stored the power up, forcing a couple of turnovers that led to layups on the opposite finish. For the Badgers, it was Isaac Lindsey, who averaged 1.3 ppg earlier than tonight who went 3-3 capturing and a season excessive 8 factors. Edey proved to be a power inside as Wisconsin didn’t need to go inside on him. Purdue ended the half up 31-27.
Second Half
As per the norm, a Purdue opponent determined to go nuclear within the second half, hitting 3 after 3. At the below 12 timeout, Wisconsin was 9-17 from deep, an absurd quantity. But in some way, Purdue was neck and neck with Wisconsin, going into the ultimate ten minutes tied at 45. A backwards and forwards battle would ensue, beginning with Wisconsin cooling off a bit from deep. Wisconsin would maintain a 53-52 lead with 6 minutes left. The recreation would commute all the way down to the wire. After a Wisconsin miss down deep, 2 Brandon Newman free throws put Purdue up 60-57 with 17 seconds left. Chucky Hepburn would get to the road for 1 and 1 with 9.6 ticks left and Hepburn would make each to make it 60-59. Braden Smith would go to the road for two and make each. Purdue once more fouled with Wisconsin solely within the single bonus, to which Wisconsin made each once more. Then it was Ethan Morton’s flip with 4.4 seconds left, lacking the primary and hitting the second. A Wisconsin heave on the horn got here up brief and Purdue escaped with a win.
Takeaways
Things we already knew: Edey is the perfect participant within the nation, Purdue has actually struggled these days from deep and the road, Purdue has too many turnovers. We additionally knew that Brandon Newman was worthy of beginning, bringing excessive ranges of power to the courtroom and offering clutch performs on each ends.
Purdue simply seems sluggish on protection and a step behind everybody, resulting in drives and midrange pictures. It’s an extended season however these items must get higher.
Purdue will tackle Illinois within the common season finale Sunday and attempt to maintain a lock on a 1 seed within the NCAA Tournament.
Your Purdue Boilermakers are alone as Big Ten Champs! #25 is completed and there are extra trophies to win. Just maintain profitable.
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