NJ’s Rutgers Downs Undefeated No. 1 Purdue in Men’s College Basketball – NBC10 Philadelphia

Last season, Cam Spencer could only dream of being part of Rutgers’ amazing upset against No. 1 Purdue.

On Monday night, the transfer student starred in an even more shocking sequel.

Spencer hit a 3-point shot with 13.3 seconds remaining and the Scarlet Knights blocked the final two chances for the Boilermakers to defend a perfect season, once again earning a 65-64 win over the nation’s top-ranked team. rice field.

“It was one of the best games I’ve ever seen,” said Spencer, referring to Ron Harper Jr.’s buzzing half-court shot that beat Purdue in December 2021. , Here. “

This time, the Scarlet Knights (10-4, Big Ten 2-1) played in front of a packed, enthusiastic crowd at Mackie Arena as Purdue charged back from a 10-point deficit at halftime.

But with the help of Spencer, a transfer from Loyola, Maryland, and his new friends, Rutgers won his second school victory against a top-ranked team in the nation.

Paul Mulcahy led the Scarlet Knights with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Spencer added his 14 and Clifford Omolui his 12, with Rutgers’ stifling defense keeping the high-scoring Boilermakers well off.

Purdue (13-1, 2-1) was led by Zach Eadie, who overcame an early foul trouble with 19 points and 11 rebounds. It wasn’t enough to earn a 14th win to match their best start in school history, or to catch up with New Mexico as the final undefeated team in Division I.

“Even with the game won, I thought Rutgers were tough mentally and physically,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said.

They failed when it mattered most.

The Rutgers defense dominated the game, taking a 34-24 lead at halftime before Purdue fought back, eventually taking a 55-52 lead on Brandon Newman’s 3-pointer at 4:45.

As Andre Hyatt equalized on a free throw, Mulcahy answered with the next four goals for the Scarlet Knights to give Rutgers a 62–57 lead with 2:22 remaining. Again, the Boilermakers came back and with 29.6 seconds left Fletcher on his Royer’s 3-pointer he took a 64–62 lead.

But after calling a timeout, Rutgers coach Steve Pikiel wanted Spencer to shoot.

“The coaches made great plays, but the way they played had to go elsewhere,” Spencer said.

Improvisation worked perfectly.

But Newman’s open three fell short, and he bounced out of bounds with 0.4 seconds remaining after the rebound. Rutgers was then asked to move on the inbounds play, giving Purdue one last chance, but this time not letting Eadie get the ball.

“We knew it was going to be an all-night battle, so we made a few plays along the way,” said Piquille as players flew around the court to celebrate. “I’m thrilled to be winning in such a tough place.”

big picture

Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights have reached incredible heights under Piquille. Monday night’s win could go a long way toward yet another milestone, the first time in school history that he will make his third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

Purdue: Painter’s team made too many mistakes to get the number 14. Rutgers’ stifling defense forced the Boilermakers into his 13 uncharacteristic turnovers. The Scarlet Knights came close to a tie in the paint as he trailed 26-22 and had 34-31 rebounds. It wasn’t the normal way for the Boilermakers to win the game, and the combination was to be undone on Monday.

do not regret

Eddie then admitted that getting past early foul trouble was part of Purdue’s problem in this game. Instead, Eddie said he could stand Newman’s shots every time.

next

Rutgers: Returning home against Maryland on Thursday.

Purdue: We face major road testing at No. 24 Ohio on Thursday.

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