Zach Edey Braden Smith Fletcher Loyer Purdue basketball Big Ten title

Purdue basketball secures Big Ten championship with win over Michigan State, led by Edey, Smith, and Loyer. Celebratory confetti dropped.

Purdue basketball fans were on the edge of their seats as Michigan State threatened to spoil the Boilermakers' Big Ten championship celebration. However, Zach Edey, Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and the rest of the team ensured that didn't happen.

Despite falling behind by eight points early on, Purdue rallied back to secure an 80-74 victory over the Spartans. The confetti fell, and the championship trophy was presented as the Boilermakers (26-3, 15-3) clinched at least a share of the regular season title, marking a repeat as league champions.

Purdue now has the opportunity to secure the outright title with upcoming games against Illinois and Wisconsin. The team's resilience was evident as they responded to Michigan State's lead with a 22-6 run and maintained their momentum in the second half with a 16-4 run.

Tyson Walker's impact was limited in the second half, allowing Purdue to build a substantial lead. Despite a late surge from the Spartans, Mason Gillis' clutch 3-pointer and Lance Jones' steal sealed the victory for the Boilermakers.

Zach Edey's dominant performance, Braden Smith's all-around contribution, and Fletcher Loyer's sharpshooting were instrumental in Purdue's success. Edey's 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists showcased his prowess on the court, while Smith fell just shy of a record-breaking assist tally but compensated with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Loyer's shooting resurgence added another dimension to Purdue's offensive arsenal.

The Boilermakers' victory was a testament to their grit and determination, setting them up for a potential outright Big Ten title. As the confetti settled and the celebrations ensued, Purdue fans can revel in the team's hard-fought triumph.