Scarlet Knights top Boilermakers

MEN’S TOP 25 RUTGERS 65, NO. 1 PURDUE 64

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Cam Spencer’s three-pointer with 13.3 seconds left gave Rutgers the lead and No. 1 Purdue failed to convert on its final two chances Monday night as the Scarlet Knights held on for a shocking 65-64 road victory.

Rutgers (10-4, 2-1 Big Ten) did it in front of Mackey Arena’s 49th consecutive sellout crowd.

Spencer finished with 14 points while Paul Mulcahy had 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Boilermakers (13-1, 2-1) were led by Zach Edey who overcame early foul trouble to finish with 19 points and 10 rebounds. It just wasn’t enough to close out an incredible second-half rally from a 10-point deficit. New Mexico is now the last remaining unbeaten team in Division I.

Rutgers controlled the game most of the night, taking a 34-24 halftime lead and fending off the Boilermakers as they charged back. Purdue tied the score at 52-52, then finally took the lead on Brandon Newman’s tie-breaking three-pointer with 4:45 to play.

Mulcahy answered with the Scarlet Knights’ next 10 points, which gave Rutgers a 62-57 lead with 2:22 to play. Purdue answered with four straight to make it 62-61 and when Mulcahy missed a short jumper with 54 seconds to go, Edey grabbed the rebound, Purdue called timeout and freshman Fletcher Loyer made the go-ahead three with 29.8 seconds left.

But Spencer made his three after another timeout then watched Newman miss a three. And after Rutgers turned it over on an inbound play with 0.4 seconds to go, the Boilermakers couldn’t get the ball to Edey for a final shot.