Purdue Rallies Past Northwestern 70-66

Boilermakers overcome 10-point second half deficit behind CJ Cox's career-high 27 points

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Purdue trailed by 10 early in the second half before rallying back behind a career-high 27 points from sophomore CJ Cox to defeat Northwestern 70-66. The Boilermakers overcame 14 turnovers and a strong rebounding advantage for the Wildcats to pick up the key Big Ten road victory.

Why it matters

The win keeps Purdue in the hunt for a top-4 seed in the Big Ten tournament and potentially an NCAA Tournament bid, while Northwestern continues to struggle in conference play this season.

The details

Purdue trailed by as many as 10 points in the second half before CJ Cox took over, scoring 21 of his career-high 27 points in the final 20 minutes. Cox hit the go-ahead basket with under 50 seconds left to give Purdue the lead for good. Braden Smith dished out 9 assists, moving him to within 56 of the NCAA all-time record held by Duke's Bobby Hurley. Purdue overcame 14 turnovers, including a key miscue by Smith late that led to an easy Northwestern dunk, but was able to hold on for the road victory.

  • Purdue trailed by 10 early in the second half before rallying back.
  • CJ Cox scored 21 of his 27 points in the second half.
  • Braden Smith had 9 assists, moving him closer to the NCAA all-time record.

The players

CJ Cox

A sophomore guard who scored a career-high 27 points, including 21 in the second half, to lead Purdue's comeback.

Braden Smith

Purdue's senior point guard dished out 9 assists, moving him within 56 of the NCAA all-time record held by Duke's Bobby Hurley.

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What’s next

Purdue will host Wisconsin on Saturday for Senior Night, as Braden Smith looks to continue closing in on the NCAA all-time assists record.

The takeaway

Purdue's ability to rally from a double-digit second half deficit on the road, led by the breakout performance of CJ Cox, keeps the Boilermakers in the hunt for a top seed in the Big Ten tournament and potentially an NCAA Tournament bid.