LINCOLN, Neb. – In a stunning upset, the Nebraska Cornhuskers secured a historic victory over the top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers on Monday night, marking their first win over a No. 1 team since 1982. The final score of 88-72 left fans at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln celebrating a monumental triumph.
The game started off as a closely contested battle, with both teams vying for control. However, it was Nebraska’s strong defensive performance in the first half that set the tone for the game. They effectively shut down Purdue’s star player, Zach Edey, limiting him to just two points and four rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.
It was during the halftime break that Nebraska gained significant momentum, fueled by a remarkable 13-0 run, with Sam Hoiberg leading the charge. Hoiberg, the son of coach Fred Hoiberg, scored seven points during this crucial stretch, helping his team secure an 11-point lead at the half.
Despite Purdue’s efforts to rally in the second half and close the gap to a single point, Nebraska never relinquished their lead. The Cornhuskers responded with an 8-0 run, highlighted by another steal and layup from Hoiberg, pushing their advantage back into double digits.
Nebraska’s defense remained solid throughout the game, frustrating the Boilermakers and preventing them from mounting a significant comeback. Additionally, C.J. Wilcher’s clutch 3-pointers and Keisi Tominaga’s pivotal shot played a crucial role in maintaining the Cornhuskers’ lead. In the end, Nebraska emerged victorious with an impressive 16-point margin.
This loss marks the second defeat for Purdue against an unranked team in Big Ten play this season. However, the Boilermakers have shown their prowess against ranked opponents, securing notable victories against respected teams such as Gonzaga, Tennessee, and Illinois.
With both the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams suffering losses on the same day, this opens the door for No. 3 Kansas to potentially claim the top spot in the rankings next week. Purdue’s upcoming match against Penn State looms large, as they look to rebound from this setback before facing No. 15 Wisconsin in early February.
For Nebraska, this triumph over a top-ranked team boosts their chances for an NCAA tournament berth. Having won six of their last seven games, the Cornhuskers are on an impressive run, with their victory over Purdue serving as a significant highlight. Their upcoming matchup against Iowa presents another opportunity to further solidify their tournament resume.
In conclusion, the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ historic victory over the top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers has sent shockwaves through college basketball. With this win, Nebraska has not only broken a long-standing drought but has also positioned themselves as a team to be reckoned with in the postseason.