Purdue Stunned By Valparaiso in 2OT, Box Score Stats, Highlights & Reaction to Upset Loss
Bleacher Report • • sports
Key Points:
- Purdue started the season 0-2 for the first time since 1976 after a double-overtime upset loss to Valparaiso, following an opening defeat to No. 15 Gonzaga.
- The Boilermakers reportedly paid $90,000 to play Valparaiso, where Valparaiso freshman Rakim Chaney scored a career-high 35 points, while Purdue's key players combined for just four points.
- Purdue led 19-4 in the first half but struggled defensively in the second half, allowing Valparaiso to tie the game and eventually win in double overtime on a buzzer-beater by Justus McNair.
- Purdue was ranked 28th in the preseason AP Poll, ending a streak of 79 consecutive weeks in the Top 25, and now faces pressure to rebound quickly starting with an upcoming home game against Illinois State.
- This marks the first 0-2 start in Matt Painter’s coaching career, highlighting a challenging beginning to Purdue’s campaign to return to ranked status.
