Marquette upset Purdue 90-78 at home, ending the Boilermakers' impressive 26-game regular-season nonconference winning streak. The Golden Eagles' relentless defense and balanced scoring attack proved too much to handle for the No. 13 Boilermakers.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Marquette University's Golden Eagles put on a dominant performance Tuesday night, defeating the No. 13 Purdue Boilermakers 90-78 at the Fiserv Forum. The victory not only secured Marquette's second win over a ranked opponent this season but also snapped Purdue's remarkable 26-game regular-season nonconference winning streak.
Marquette Downs Purdue in Top-15 Thriller, Boilers' Nonconference Streak Snaps
From the opening tip, Marquette's defense set the tone, disrupting Purdue's offensive rhythm and forcing turnovers. The Golden Eagles' pressure defense forced 10 Boilermaker turnovers in the first half, leading to easy transition points. Marquette's size and athleticism inside also proved to be a major advantage, as they outrebounded Purdue 25-14 in the opening period.
Offensively, Marquette was firing on all cylinders. Four players scored in double figures, led by senior guard Tyler Kolek's game-high 23 points. Kolek, who was making his return from an injury, was a constant threat for the Boilermakers, scoring both from inside and outside the paint.
Freshman guard Kam Jones also played a significant role in Marquette's victory, contributing 19 points and dishing out six assists. Jones' quickness and ability to penetrate the defense created scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Purdue, known for its high-scoring offense, struggled to find its footing against Marquette's stingy defense. The Boilermakers' star guard, Zach Edey, was held to just 14 points, well below his season average. Edey, who is typically a dominant force inside, was harassed by Marquette's frontcourt and struggled to get into a rhythm.
In the second half, Purdue attempted to rally, but Marquette refused to let up. The Golden Eagles extended their lead to as many as 18 points, thanks to their continued defensive pressure and efficient shooting.
Purdue's frustration grew as the game progressed, and they committed several unforced errors. Marquette capitalized on Purdue's mistakes, turning turnovers into points and maintaining control of the tempo.
As the clock ticked down, Marquette's bench erupted in celebration. The Golden Eagles had not only defeated a ranked opponent but had also ended one of the most impressive nonconference streaks in college basketball.
The victory was a major statement for Marquette, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big East and beyond. For Purdue, the loss is a reminder that even the best teams can be vulnerable when their offensive rhythm is disrupted.
The Boilermakers will look to regroup and bounce back in their next game, while Marquette will aim to build on their impressive win and continue their upward trajectory.
