Purdue exorcises its Jersey demons with win at Rutgers
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Purdue roared to a quick double-digit lead at Rutgers Sunday, then weathered razor -thin second-half margins to win 68-60
Zach Edey scored 26 points — including the 2,000th of his career — and Braden Smith 19. In the final four minutes of what was then a three-point game, Smith scored on a difficult runner and Edey a dunk on back-to-back possessions, helping Purdue open up a nine-point lead late, more than enough to leave Jersey Mike’s Arena (JMA) with a win.
Fletcher Loyer was 5-of-5 at the foul line in the final 3:27 and Lance Jones offset his roughest shooting game at Purdue with 10 rebounds, eight assists and five steals.
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Despite a turnover spree to close the half and Rutgers’ success on the offensive glass, Purdue led 33-20 at halftime, thanks in large part to Mason Gillis’ run-killing shooting. Gillis made three jumpers on as many attempts, including a quick 5-0 run after Rutgers had scored nine straight.
With the win, Purdue’s seniors earned a win in the one Big Ten arena they’d yet to conquer in their careers.
