CHAMPAIGN, Sick. — Purdue basketball is not sharing the Huge Ten championship with anybody.
Because of well timed capturing from Braden Smith and a gutsy efficiency down the stretch from Fletcher Loyer, the third-ranked Boilermakers closed the door on No. 12 Illinois 77-71 on the State Farm Heart to assert the league title outright.
To take action, the Boilermakers (27-3, 16-3) wanted a second half comeback.
Illinois constructed a 10-point lead with 5:18 to go within the first half, getting a lift from fifth-year senior switch Marcus Domask and sixth-year senior switch Quincy Guerrier. Guerrier was 3-for-4 from 3 within the first half and mixed with Domask for 18 factors to provide the Illini a 40-34 halftime lead.
Purdue’s response got here within the second half and, not surprisingly, was orchestrated by Zach Edey’s dominance inside.
After Purdue captured its first lead on a Mason Gillis 3 with 10:11 to go, it grew to become a back-and-forth battle you’d count on from the Huge Ten’s finest two groups.
It was over when
Terrence Shannon’s two free throws with 3:26 to go gave the Illini a 66-64 lead.
Loyer then responded with seven straight factors.
Illinois trailed 74-71 and wanted one cease to have an opportunity to pressure additional time. As a substitute, Smith missed a jumper, however the rebound was tipped again out to Purdue’s level guard. Smith sank a shot-clock beating 3 with 18.5 seconds left.
Zach Edey watch
The frontrunner for all of school basketball’s nationwide participant of the yr awards bought off to a sluggish begin earlier than changing into the one constant offense the Boilermakers had within the first half. Edey made 7 of his last 8 photographs within the first half and scored 18 of his 28 factors by halftime.
3 stars
Fletcher Loyer, Purdue: His 7-0 run was the distinction. The sophomore guard completed with 16 factors on 6 of 12 capturing.
Braden Smith, Purdue: Smith now owns Purdue’s single-season help document after racking up 6. The Cousy Award finalist additionally had 13 factors and beat the shot clock twice with 3s whereas draped by a defender.
Marcus Domask, Illinois: Domask placed on a clinic in opposition to Purdue’s protection within the first half. With Purdue up six, it was Domask who helped present the Illini surge. Domask completed with 20 factors.
Sam King covers sports activities for the Journal & Courier. Electronic mail him at sking@jconline.com and comply with him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.