The Boilermakers achieved the wild feat for the second time in 77 years

Purdue basketball staggered down the stretch again, causing skeptics to double down on their claims of a March Madness hoax. But the No. 13 Boilermakers still deserved a signature win. Despite that with a 22-point advantageMatt Painter’s team earned it Victory in overtime 80-77 via no. 7 Nebraska on Tuesday night. Purdue’s triumph in Lincoln, or rather the run, has given the program a noteworthy boost.

Boilermakers have multiple road wins against top 10 opponents for the second time in the AP Poll era (1948-49), according to ESPN Insights Ks. In addition to beating the Cornhuskers, they went into Tuscaloosa and beat an 8th ranked Alabama team on November 13th. Purdue won’t score high in any beauty pageants, but its ability to win ugly could come in handy during the NCAA Tournament.

Or, the team’s erratic play could send it home before the second weekend. Big scores have been a long-standing part of the Boilermakers’ experience, something fans have become accustomed to by now. Purdue destroyed Texas Tech, got swept by Iowa State, blew a few chances in a three-game stretch that included losses to UCLA, Illinois and Indiana, barely survived last-place Oregon and then beat arguably the best Nebraska team ever.

No one knows what to expect when this team takes the field, but fans can usually count on the Boilermakers V. This group is not performing up to their standard, yet they have a record of 20-4.

Purdue basketball shows a different side of itself at Nebraska

While fans are right to be frustrated, this outcome could give Purdue basketball tremendous confidence heading into the final seven games of the regular season. The program’s tenacity shone through at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The team shot 37 percent from the field and 28 percent from behind the 3-point line, forcing them to find another way to win.

The Boilermakers grabbed a whopping 54 rebounds, 21 of which were offensive rebounds, outscoring the Cornhuskers on their home floor. Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff combined for 33 boards, with the latter posting a double-double and two blocks. Purdue ranks outside the top 150 in rebounding this season, illustrating the truly mysterious nature of this team.

Although, perhaps a better word is adaptable. These road warriors find a way. The Boilermakers could be pushed to their limits again when they take on Iowa (18-5) this Saturday.