Huskers Deliver Stunning Upset Over No. 1 Purdue

January 10, 2024 – Lincoln, NE

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Nebraska men’s basketball team toppled the top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers 88-72 on Tuesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena. This victory marks only the fourth time in Nebraska’s history that the Huskers have defeated a No. 1 team, and the first since 1982.

The Huskers (13-3, 3-2 Big Ten) showcased their sharpshooting prowess, hitting a scorching 60.9 percent from beyond the arc. Keisei Tominaga led the charge with five 3-pointers, contributing a team-high 19 points. His performance was complemented by Rienk Mast’s 18 points and significant defensive effort against Purdue’s Zach Edey, the reigning national player of the year.

C.J. Wilcher and Juwan Gary also played pivotal roles, adding 16 and 12 points, respectively. However, it was Brice Williams who came tantalizingly close to a triple-double, amassing nine points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high nine assists.

Nebraska’s win was characterized by efficient ball movement and careful possession handling, evident in their 22 assists and only nine turnovers. The team’s cohesive effort was on full display as they rallied from a 28-25 deficit with 4:15 left in the first half. A decisive 16-2 run, punctuated by Tominaga’s sharpshooting and Sam Hoiberg’s seven points off the bench, propelled Nebraska to a 41-30 halftime lead.

In the second half, Purdue (14-2, 3-2) made several attempts to close the gap, but Nebraska’s resilient defense and timely scoring runs kept the Boilermakers at bay. Wilcher’s critical eight points during an 11-0 Husker run were instrumental in maintaining the lead.

Mason Gillis led Purdue’s effort with 16 points from the bench, but it wasn’t enough to counter the balanced Husker attack that saw five Boilermakers reach double figures.

The Huskers now turn their attention to their next Big Ten challenge as they prepare to face Iowa on Friday, January 12, at 8:30 p.m. (CT) in Iowa City. Fans can catch the action on the Big Ten Network and follow along with the Huskers Radio Network for live coverage.

This victory over Purdue not only adds a significant chapter to Nebraska’s basketball legacy but also serves as a testament to the team’s growth and potential in Big Ten play.

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