Feb 26, 2003
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By DAN GELSTON
Associated Press Writer
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Willie Deane scored 21 points as Purdue snapped a two-game losing streak with a 79-55 win against Penn State on Wednesday night.
The Boilermakers (17-8, 9-5 Big Ten) are assured of finishing with a winning record in conference play. After a 15-4 start, a national ranking and 13 straight wins at home, Purdue was in the Big Ten title hunt.
Three losses in four games dropped them out of the picture, but Purdue is likely headed toward its first NCAA tournament appearance in three years. The Boilermakers finish the season with games at Michigan State and Michigan before the Big Ten tournament in Chicago.
They had no problems Wednesday against Penn State (6-18, 1-12). Purdue made eight of its first 14 shots and raced to a 29-9 lead. Penn State had six turnovers in the first six minutes and 14 in the first half which led to 13 points for Purdue.
The Nittany Lions didn't reach double digits until 13 minutes into the half, as the Boilermakers took a 39-19 lead into halftime.
A 3-pointer by Sharif Chambliss, he led the Nittany Lions with 21 points, pulled them to 54-41. But Melvin Buckley and Deane answered with 3-pointers and the rout was back on.
Eleven Boilermakers scored. That balance allowed only one other player to reach double figure - Chris Booker had 10. They shot 51 percent from the field.
In the final home game of the season - Purdue finished 14-1 at Mackey Arena - the Boilermakers only drew 10,827 fans, which kept them among the bottom of the Big Ten attendance rankings.