Purdue’s undefeated streak to start the 2022-23 college basketball season came to an abrupt halt Monday night against unranked Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights defeated the Boilermakers for the second time in two seasons, handing over No. 1 Purdue their first loss of the season, 65-64.
Rutgers guard Cam Spencer, #10, celebrates after scoring the go-ahead basket in the final seconds during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind., Monday, Jan. 2 2023. Rutgers defeated Purdue 65-64.
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Rutgers took a 10-point lead at halftime, but needed a 3-pointer by senior guard Cam Spencer with 13.3 seconds remaining to reclaim the lead for good down the road.
SAN PEDRO MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM BECOMES A CINDERELLA STORY FOR THE AGES
«We knew it was going to be an all-night battle, and we made some plays down the stretch,» Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell said. «We are excited to come away with a victory in such a difficult place.»
Purdue had two chances to win the game after Spencer’s three, but the The boilermakers failed to convertincluding a missed 3-pointer by junior guard Brandon Newman with less than five seconds remaining in the game.
Rutgers center Clifford Omoruyi, #11, celebrates after an NCAA college basketball game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana on Monday, January 2, 2023. Rutgers defeated Purdue 65-64.
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS IN LITTLE ROCK BASKETBALL COURT SEVERELY DAMAGED BY FREEZING TEMPERATURES
«I just thought at the end of the day, Rutgers was mentally and physically stronger, even if we had won the game,» Purdue coach Matt Painter said. «I thought we could have done it if we’d made a stop or two there.»
Last season, Rutgers beat then number 1 Purdue in a half-court buzzer-beater in front of the Scarlet Knight home crowd.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
On Monday, the game-winning shot silenced a rowdy crowd at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana.
«Coach designed a great play, but the way they played it, we had to go elsewhere,» Spencer said.
Rutgers players celebrate after defeating Purdue 65-64 in an NCAA college basketball game in West Lafayette, Indiana, on Monday, January 2, 2023.
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue was led by center Zach Edey, who had 19 points and 11 rebounds.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Boilermakers have been the No. 1 team in the country since week 6 of the college basketball season.
The win moves Rutgers to 10-4 on the season and 2-1 in Big Ten play.
Associated Press contributed to this report