No. 20 Michigan staged a remarkable comeback to defeat No. 7 Purdue, 75-73, in a thrilling Big Ten clash on Tuesday night. Danny Wolf was instrumental in this victory, contributing 15 points, including two crucial free throws in the dying moments of the game.
Roddy Gayle Jr. added 14 points for the Wolverines (19-5, 11-2 Big Ten), while Tre Donaldson and Vladislav Goldin each chipped in with 12 points. The depth of Michigan’s roster was evident as they rallied back to secure their fifth consecutive win.
For the Boilermakers (19-6, 11-3), Braden Smith led the scoring with 24 points, followed closely by Trey Kaufman-Renn’s 22 points and Fletcher Loyer’s 15. Despite their strong performance, Purdue could not maintain their lead as Michigan’s resilience shone through.
Though Purdue controlled much of the game and held a slim 37-35 lead at halftime, Michigan’s determination allowed them to chip away at the deficit, demonstrating their competitive spirit. This matchup marked the first meeting between these ranked teams since 2018, and the loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Boilermakers.
Takeaways
With this victory, the Wolverines solidified their position at the top of the conference standings, ensuring at least a tie for first place.
Key Moment
A pivotal moment occurred when Smith sank a 3-pointer for Purdue with just 16 seconds remaining. However, he missed a subsequent 3-point attempt at the buzzer that could have clinched the win for his team.
Key Stat
Michigan’s bench made a significant impact, outscoring Purdue’s reserves 21-0, with eight of the nine Wolverines who played contributing to the score.
Up Next
Looking ahead, Purdue will host Wisconsin on Saturday, while Michigan will face Ohio State on Sunday, both teams eager to maintain their momentum in the Big Ten.
