Indiana Outlasts Purdue in Rivalry Thriller, 72-67: Key Takeaways from the Hoosiers’ Statement Win
In a rivalry that rarely disappoints, Tuesday night in Bloomington delivered another classic. With Assembly Hall at full throttle and the stakes as high as ever, Indiana rose to the occasion, knocking off Purdue 72-67 in a game that saw big swings, clutch moments, and a whole lot of grit.
Let’s break down how the Hoosiers pulled it off - and who stepped up when it mattered most.
First-Half Firepower Sets the Tone
Indiana came out with energy, but it wasn’t just emotion fueling their early success - it was execution. The Hoosiers found their rhythm from deep, hitting eight of their 20 three-point attempts in the first half. That perimeter shooting kept them in it early, then helped them surge ahead late in the half.
After a C.J. Cox jumper gave Purdue a four-point edge with just over seven minutes to go in the first half, IU flipped the script.
Darian DeVries called a timeout, and whatever was said in that huddle worked. The Hoosiers ripped off a 15-2 run, capped by a Lamar Wilkerson triple that sent Assembly Hall into a frenzy.
Just 42 seconds later, Tucker DeVries buried another three to push the lead into double digits, and Wilkerson struck again before the break to make it 40-29 at halftime.
The numbers backed up the eye test: Indiana scored 1.33 points per possession in the first half - an elite mark - while Purdue struggled with turnovers (seven) and shot just under 46% from the field.
Purdue Pushes Back, but IU Holds Firm
Indiana had a chance to push the lead to 16 early in the second half, but a missed Nick Dorn transition three opened the door for Purdue. The Boilermakers responded with five quick points, and suddenly the momentum shifted.
But every time Purdue made a move, Indiana had an answer.
After a brief scoring drought, IU got back to work. Dorn scored in transition, then hit back-to-back threes to stretch the lead to 12. Jasai Miles added a pair of free throws to make it 59-45 - the largest lead of the night.
Still, Purdue wouldn’t go quietly. The Boilermakers strung together a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to seven, then Braden Smith knocked down a deep three to make it 65-58 with under five minutes to go. Indiana’s grip on the game was slipping, and missed front ends of 1-and-1s from both Reed Bailey and DeVries gave Purdue a chance to make it a one-possession game.
They did just that. After a Wilkerson turnover, Smith’s layup made it 65-63.
But when the Hoosiers needed a bucket, Conor Enright delivered. The junior guard calmly stepped into a left-wing three and buried it, pushing the lead back to five with under two minutes to go.
Purdue kept coming - a Kaufman-Renn bucket made it 68-65 - but Enright iced it at the line, and Wilkerson sealed the deal with two more free throws in the final seconds.
Standout Performers
- Lamar Wilkerson was the engine all night. The veteran guard poured in 19 points, grabbed seven boards, and dished out three assists in 36 minutes.
He hit big shots early and closed the game at the line - exactly what you want from your leader.
- Nick Dorn gave Indiana a huge lift with 18 points, including four threes. His scoring burst in the second half helped IU keep the Boilermakers at arm’s length.
- Tucker DeVries didn’t have his best shooting night, but his presence on the glass (10 rebounds) and timely three in the first half were crucial.
- Conor Enright played all 40 minutes and ran the show with poise. He finished with eight points and eight assists, including the dagger three that kept Purdue at bay.
By the Numbers
- Indiana held Purdue to 1.09 points per possession, one of the Boilermakers’ lowest marks of the season. That’s a testament to IU’s defensive discipline and ability to contest shots without fouling.
- The Hoosiers shot 36.4% from three (12-for-33) - not lights out, but enough to make Purdue pay for leaving shooters open. That spacing helped open up driving lanes and kept the Boilermakers from packing the paint.
What’s Next
The Hoosiers now hit the road for a high-profile matchup in Los Angeles, where they’ll face UCLA on Saturday, January 31. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.
ET on Peacock/NBC Sports Network. It’s another opportunity for Indiana to build momentum - and they’ll need to bring the same energy and execution they showed against Purdue.
This win wasn’t just about beating a rival. It was about resilience, shot-making, and timely plays on both ends of the floor. If Indiana can bottle this formula, they’ll be a tough out in the Big Ten and beyond.