There were moments in Purdue’s 86-71 victory over Marquette when the outcome seemed far from certain. At the 14:58 mark of the second half, Golden Eagle sharpshooter Andrew Rowsey knocked down a three-pointer to trim Purdue’s lead, which once stood as high as 11, down to one point.
If Purdue were going to fumble the game away, that would have been the time; Marquette was re-energized and the crowd at the BMO Harris Bradley Center was roaring. Instead, the Boilermakers counted on their experience and communication to get them through.
“Our seniors and Coach (Painter) say when it gets loud in there, move the ball, get good shots,” Purdue junior Grady Eifert said.