Purdue junior Caleb Swanigan’s help-side defense allowed for Ohio State center Trevor Thompson to tie the score at 75-all with 15 seconds remaining with layup and the foul on a second-chance opportunity.
Thompson would miss the free throw and commit a foul on the other end 10 seconds later, sending Swanigan to the line. He would make 1-of-2. Ja’Quan Lyle’s game-winning attempt hit the back iron and No. 20 Purdue survived to earn a road win against the Buckeyes on Thursday night.
Swanigan recorded another double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Vince Edwards, who started in place of Isaac Haas, also added 16. Jae’Sean Tate led all scorers with 17 in a losing effort.
It’s ironic that Ohio State nearly pulled off the victory with an offensive rebound. The Boilermakers had dominated the glass all night, corralling 44 boards to the Buckeyes’ 32. Purdue, with a front court that could battle the Monstars, had a 19-9 edge in second-chance points.
Ohio State made up for it in transition, which makes you wonder why Lyle settled for an off-balance three rather than attack a defense that wasn’t set up in the game’s final seconds.
Purdue opened up a double-digit lead to open the half, but couldn’t build off that hot start following halftime due to offensive woes. After the Boilermakers shot 7-of-14 from deep, they missed their first eight shots from distance in the second. Luckily, P.J. Thompson’s triple came at a crucial time, knocking down a three from the top of the key to put Purdue up 75-71 inside 90 seconds in regulation.
For the Boilermakers, they avoid going under .500 in league play before a matchup with No. 13 Wisconsin at home on Sunday. Not the prettiest win, but a win, nonetheless. For the Buckeyes, they drop to 0-2 in league play. Still in search of a signature win this season, Ohio State travels to Minnesota on Sunday before going to Madison to face the Badgers.