The Purdue Boilermakers came into Sunday’s Big Ten matchup with the Northwestern Wildcats as the No. 1 team in the nation. On Monday, that will no longer be the case.
The Wildcats (18-7) shocked the top team in the nation in Evanston by defeating the Boilermakers (23-3) 64-58 on Sunday. After the final buzzer, the home crowd stormed the court in celebration of Northwestern’s first win over a No. 1-ranked team in 19 tries.
Northwestern takes down a No. 1-ranked team for the first time in program history! 🏀😲 pic.twitter.com/FBHfOhXLkp
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 12, 2023
Boo Buie led the way for the Wildcats, scoring 26 points with four rebounds and three assists. Chase Audige added 15 points, including 10 toward the end of the game. He also clinched the lead for the Wildcats with a 3-pointer following a Zach Edey turnover.
Edey scored 24 and grabbed eight rebounds for the Boilermakers in the losing effort. Purdue shot just 28.6% from the field in the second half and committed 13 of its 16 turnovers in the second half as well.
Purdue was already in trouble of losing their top spot after dropping a game to Indiana last week. The door is now open for the Houston Cougars to be the No. 1 team come Monday, as they’re currently on a five-game winning streak since losing an in-conference game to Temple. The Alabama Crimson Tide could also end up in that spot as well.
The college basketball world was thrilled by Northwestern’s historic victory that will shake up the sport’s landscape.
History made! 💜💜💜💜💜 https://t.co/fhyqS6k2BH
— Chris Casquejo (@ChrisCasquejo) February 12, 2023
Go Cats! David slays Goliath! https://t.co/6t4GuCRXAJ
— Kevin Short (@kevinashort) February 12, 2023
This is the best. Dave is the best. https://t.co/G2k0PcVvyr
— Jordan Bernfield (@jordanbernfield) February 12, 2023
Northwestern with a HIGH-LEVEL floor-storm in Evanston.
Program's first win over No. 1 in history.
In the midst of a hot-seat season, Chris Collins is on the verge of taking Northwestern to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in program history.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) February 12, 2023
Northwestern just beat the No. 1 team in the country for the first time EVER.
Barring something unforeseen, the Wildcats will make the NCAA Tournament for the second time EVER after losing both Pete Nance and Ryan Young.
Chris Collins is the Big Ten Coach of the Year. https://t.co/rYbKILiuVE
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 12, 2023
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.