McNair's Late Shot: Valparaiso Upsets Purdue
A buzzer-beater in double overtime snapped a Purdue lead and left the Boilermakers 0-2, the first time since 1977 they started a season with two losses.
By Simon Bennett ·
Justus McNair converted a three-point attempt at the final second of double overtime to give Valparaiso an 83-80 victory over Purdue on Friday. The result ends a promising start for the Boilermakers and shifts the momentum in a conference rivalry that rarely features such dramatic finishes.
Purdue opened the game with a 15-4 lead in the first ten minutes, fueled by a three-pointer from Jack Benter. Daniel Jacobsen, a 7-foot-4 junior, scored 11 points before halftime to help maintain a 32-20 advantage. The Boilermakers entered the second half holding a comfortable margin, but the gap began to shrink as Valparaiso's offense gained rhythm.
Rakim Chaney, a sophomore, took control in the closing minutes. He sank a three-pointer with 1:46 remaining in regulation to tie the game at 56. Although Jacobsen hit two free throws, McNair answered with a basket to force the first overtime. In the extra period, Chaney hit another three-pointer with one second left to force a second overtime, tying the score at 70.
Chaney finished with a career-high 35 points, shooting 14-for-22 from the floor and adding eight rebounds and six assists. McNair contributed 17 points, having missed his first three long-range attempts before sinking the decisive shot. JT Pettigrew added 11 points and eight rebounds for the Beacons.
For Purdue, Jacobsen recorded a career-best 28 points and 10 rebounds, making 9 of 13 shots and 10 of 12 free throws. C.J. Cox contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Gicarri Harris scored 11. The loss marks Purdue's second defeat of the season, following a 78-72 loss to No. 15 Gonzaga in Las Vegas. The Boilermakers have not started a season 0-2 since the 1976-77 campaign.
Valparaiso travels to San Diego State on Wednesday. Purdue hosts Illinois State on Monday.
