Wagler’s 46 Powers #11 Illinois to 88-82 Victory over #4 Purdue
In an impressive display, freshman Keaton Wagler led No. 11 Illinois to an 88-82 victory over No. 4 Purdue at Mackey Arena. Wagler’s record-setting performance included scoring 46 points, along with hitting nine three-pointers, a new benchmark for Illinois. This historic win underscores not only Wagler’s talent but also the Illini’s strategic prowess against a top-ranked opponent.
Key Match Highlights
The game saw Purdue establish a lead, going up by 11 points during the first half, with a 35-24 advantage at the 6:52 mark. However, Wagler, who scored the team’s first 14 points, and teammate Zvonimir Ivisic sank critical three-pointers in the final moments of the half. This narrowed the gap to just four points at halftime, 43-39.
Second Half Dynamics
The second half was characterized by intense back-and-forth scoring. Wagler continued his momentum, scoring five quick points, helping Illinois launch a 7-0 run. The teams exchanged leads 12 times in this half alone. A pivotal moment came when David Mirkovic sealed the win with free throws in the game’s closing seconds.
Purdue’s Performance
- Purdue’s senior guard Braden Smith led his team with 27 points and 12 assists.
- Despite their efforts, the Boilermakers fell to a 17-3 overall record and a 7-2 league standing.
Record-Breaking Individual Performance
Wagler’s 46 points marked the highest ever for an opponent in Mackey Arena and set the record for points scored in a road win against a top-10 team. This achievement surpassed previous records, including the most points scored by a freshman player in Illinois history, topping the old record of 35 set by Giorgi Bezhanishvili.
Specifically, Wagler’s impressive statistics from the game included the following:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Field Goals Made | 13 |
| Three-Point Field Goals Made | 9 |
| Free Throws Made | 11 |
| Assists | 4 |
Team Achievements and Upcoming Matches
With this victory, Illinois improved their record to 17-3 and 8-1 in Big Ten play, tying for second place with Michigan and Michigan State. Additionally, this win marked a significant turnaround for the Illini, breaking a three-game losing streak against Purdue at their home court.
Looking forward, Illinois will next face Washington at home on January 29, continuing their impressive season. This latest win against Purdue not only enhances their playoff potential but also solidifies their status as a formidable force in collegiate basketball.
