Purdue Boilermakers’ Season Continues Downward Spiral Against Michigan Wolverines
By Mathew Muncy
Feb 26, 2014; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Glenn Robinson III (1) are surrounded by his teammates after making a shot at the buzzer to win the game as Purdue Boilermakers forward Rapheal Davis (35) and guard Kendall Stephens reacts at Mackey Arena. Michigan defeats Purdue 77-76. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
It looked like the Purdue Boilermakers were going to earn their first victory over a Top 25 team this season as they led by one with 2.9 seconds left in overtime against the Michigan Wolverines. But as fate would have it, the kid of former Purdue great Glenn Robinson hit a bank shot as time expired, giving the Wolverines the 77-76 win.
The Boilermakers controlled the first half, leading 37-24 at halftime. Terone Johnson came out firing, scoring 16 of his game-high 22 points, including 4-of-4 from three-point range, in the first half.
Glenn Robinson Jr. put the game on his back in the second half, scoring 14 of his 17. The Wolverines were able to cut Purdue’s 13-point lead to one on a Zak Irvin three-pointer with 9:16 left in the game. Robinson tied the game at 63 after getting fouled by A.J. Hammons, which was Hammons’ fifth foul, and sinking two free throws. Tied at 65, Nik Stauskas missed a game winning three-pointer which sent the game into overtime.
Without Hammons the Boilermakers’ defense was left with a gaping hole in the middle, which the Wolverines took advantage of in overtime. Michigan had three dunks and a layup and Robinson’s shot might not have been as easy had Hammons been standing in the paint. But it was Kendall Stephens’ missed free throw, the only one of the game for Purdue, with 12 seconds remaining that allowed Michigan to get a game-winning shot.
That’s been the story of Purdue’s season though. Have the talent, but run out of time. It was a well-played game by the Boilermakers’ starters, all who finished in double figures scoring wise. Ronnie Johnson finished with 21 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals; Hammons had 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks; Rapheal Davis had a double-double, 10 points and 10 rebounds; Stephens finished with 10 points and four rebounds.
The Boilermakers have three games remaining in the regular season. Since their big win over the Indiana Hoosiers, they’ve dropped three straight, sit at 15-13 (5-10 Big Ten) and look to be a long shot at even making the NIT Tournament now. Their next game is at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 2 where they will take on the No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes.
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