Feb. 14, 2001
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Will Dudley's basket as time expired negated an inspired comeback by Purdue and gave the Buckeyes a thrilling 65-64 win over the Boilermakers on Wednesday.
The Buckeyes (17-8, 8-5 Big Ten) led almost the entire game, but saw the Boilermakers rally from a 14-point, second-half deficit.
Purdue, which had not led since the first few minutes, took a 64-63 lead on a Carson Cunningham 3-pointer with 7.6 seconds left.
The Buckeyes hurried down the court for one last shot. Dudley grabbed the rebound off an airball and put it back in. The Buckeyes stormed the court, but Purdue protested, saying the basket came after the buzzer. A quick review of the play confirmed the referee's decision.
Brent Darby led the Buckeyes with 17 points.
After scoring only three points in the first half, Cunningham carried Purdue (13-10, 5-7) in the second.
Ohio State took its biggest lead, 39-25, early in the second half. Darby's 3-pointer put them up 45-32, but then the Boilermakers went on a 25-12 run.
Joe Marshall's 3-pointer cut the gap to 49-43. Maynard Lewis later connected on 3-pointers in successive possessions and Purdue trailed 51-49.
They eventually tied the score at 57-57 after Cunningham's 3-pointer from the top of the arc. Cunningham finished with 17 points, and he was 4-of-9 from 3-point range.
Ohio State though, held a 63-59 lead with just under two minutes remaining.
Two free throws by Purdue's Adam Wetzel made it 63-61.
It is Purdue's first four-game losing streak since losing five straight during the 1990-91 season.
Sean Connolly and Darby each made two 3-pointers to help Ohio State to a 35-25 halftime edge.