INDIANAPOLIS, IND.- No. 11 Purdue escapes a late run over Nebraska 75-71 in the second round of the Big Ten tournament, improving to 19-14 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Thursday night.
In the first five minutes of the game there were 6 lead changes before the first media timeout. Purdue then went on a 9-0 run to end first quarter with back to back three-pointers to go up 18-13.
The Boilers started the second quarter just like they ended the first with two huge three-pointers, shooting six of nine from three-point range in the first half, sparked by Karissa McLaughlin hitting three. McLaughlin finished the night three of nine from three-point range, 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Purdue got to the break on top of Nebraska 40-30, which was the most first half points from Purdue versus a Big Ten opponent this season.
The second half was all defense for the Boilers. Ae’Rianna Harris had three huge blocks. One made her the second player ever to record multiple seasons with 300 points/ 300 rebounds/100 blocks in Big Ten History. Harris finished the evening with 13 points and 14 rebounds and guard Domonique Oden led the Boilers with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Nebraska fought back late in the game as they went on a 11-1 run with 1:56 left to play. The Boilers knocked down a few big free-throws down to stretch to hold on for a huge win.
Purdue will advance to play No.3 Rutgers Friday night in the last game of the evening.