Purdue Survives Overtime Thriller Against Nebraska

Boilermakers nearly squander 22-point lead before prevailing 80-77

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Purdue escaped with an 80-77 overtime victory over seventh-ranked Nebraska on February 10th, but the win was far from straightforward. The Boilermakers built a 22-point lead in the second half, only to see Nebraska mount a furious rally, sending the game to overtime. A concerning trend emerged as Purdue frequently launched early shots with significant time remaining on the shot clock, nearly costing them the victory.

Why it matters

The game highlighted both Purdue's resilience and a concerning trend in their offensive strategy. While the Boilermakers demonstrated championship-level poise in overcoming adversity, their willingness to take early, often ill-advised shots with time remaining on the shot clock nearly allowed Nebraska to complete a remarkable comeback. This pattern raises questions about Purdue's ability to manage the game effectively and avoid gifting opponents opportunities.

The details

Purdue jumped out to a quick start, fueled by sharp shooting from Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith. However, Nebraska responded with a barrage of three-pointers, trimming the deficit and injecting life into the crowd. Purdue's inability to close out the game in regulation, compounded by missed free throws, sent the contest to overtime. A deeper analysis revealed that Purdue missed 16 shots in the second half and overtime with more than 13 seconds left on the clock, with 13 of those attempts being three-pointers. This strategy, while occasionally yielding positive results, ultimately proved detrimental as it allowed Nebraska to chip away at the lead and gain momentum.

  • The game was played on February 10, 2026.
  • Purdue built a 22-point lead in the second half.

The players

Fletcher Loyer

A Purdue player who contributed to the team's sharp shooting in the early going.

Braden Smith

A Purdue player who dished out 10 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability and court vision.

CJ Cox

A Purdue player who hit crucial three-pointers late in the second half.

Oscar Cluff

A Purdue player who made a game-winning left-handed hook shot in overtime, drawing a foul and converting the ensuing free throw.

Gicarri Harris

A Purdue player who sealed the victory with two free throws in the final seconds of overtime.

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What they’re saying

“I thought our effort was great. I thought we did a pretty good job executing.”

— Matt Painter, Purdue Coach (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The victory over Nebraska keeps Purdue in contention for a Big Ten title, but the team must address its shot selection and offensive discipline to avoid similar near-collapses in the future. The ability to control the tempo, value possessions, and execute with precision will be paramount as Purdue aims to solidify its position as a top contender in the conference and beyond.

The takeaway

Purdue's near-collapse and eventual overtime victory against Nebraska raise questions about their offensive strategy and shot selection. While the Boilermakers possess undeniable talent and resilience, they must learn to manage the game more effectively and avoid gifting opponents opportunities through rushed shots. The lessons learned from this hard-fought road win will undoubtedly be valuable as Purdue continues its pursuit of a Big Ten championship.