Buzzer-beater by Rutgers knocks off No. 1 Purdue

Ron Harper Jr. hit a buzzer-beater from just inside half court, and Rutgers shocked No. 1 Purdue 70-68 on Thursday night.

Harper finished with 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting and 10 rebounds for the Scarlet Knights, a do-it-all performance that concluded with the most stunning shot of the young college basketball season. Rutgers (5-4, 1-1 Big Ten) beat the top-ranked team for the first time in program history.

Purdue had gone ahead 68-67 on a layup by Trevion Williams with four seconds left. With no timeouts, Rutgers inbounded the ball to Harper, who dribbled across the half-court line and let it fly from the big “R” logo. The ball went through as time expired, and Rutgers fans stormed the court.

Williams scored 21 points off the bench for Purdue (8-1, 1-1), which was a unanimous No. 1 in this week’s AP top 25, the program’s first time atop the poll. Its stay will be brief.

at No. 23 Seton Hall 64, No. 7 Texas 60:

Jared Rhoden scored 18 points and made the go-ahead basket as Seton Hall beat Texas for its second win this season

over a top-10 team. Seton Hall beat then-No. 4 Michigan on Nov. 16 on the road. The Pirates held Texas (6-2) scoreless for 7:20 down the stretch and are off to their best start since opening 9-1 in 2017-18.

at No. 5. Gonzaga 80, Merrimack 55:

Drew Timme scored 22 points, making all eight of his shots, and Gonzaga beat cold-shooting Merrimack. Gonzaga (8-2) has won 57 consecutive home games — the longest streak in the nation and a program record.

at No. 17. Iowa State 75, Iowa 5:

Izaiah Brockington had 29 points and 10 rebounds to help Iowa State (9-0) dominate rival Iowa and remain undefeated after going 2-22 last season.

Game canceled

No. 5 Gonzaga’s game against Washington scheduled for Sunday was canceled because of COVID-19 issues affecting the Huskies.