In a hard-fought battle, the Purdue Boilermakers emerged victorious with a 68-60 road win against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Despite facing numerous runs from Rutgers, Purdue managed to maintain their composure and secure the win.

Zach Edey was the standout player for Purdue, leading the team with an impressive performance of 26 points and 12 rebounds on 9-12 shooting. His dominant presence in the game proved crucial for the Boilermakers' success. Joining Edey in double figures was Braden Smith, who broke out of his shooting slump to contribute 19 points, including a solid 3-5 performance from beyond the arc.

On the other hand, Rutgers was led by Aundre Hyatt, who scored 15 points on 5-12 shooting. Cliff Omoruyi also put up a valiant effort with 13 points and a strong defensive performance against Purdue's Edey.

The first half of the game saw Rutgers playing with tremendous energy, and the referees seemed to favor their aggressive style of play. Omoruyi's defense caused some issues for Edey, forcing him to take difficult shots. Despite this, Purdue had other options to rely on, with Smith finding his shooting touch and contributing crucial points for the team.

Rutgers struggled on the offensive end in the first half, shooting 0-8 from beyond the arc and converting only 9 of their 34 attempts overall. Purdue's defense effectively disrupted Rutgers' offensive sets, causing difficulty in finding scoring opportunities.

Offensive rebounding and turnovers played a significant role in keeping the game close in the first half. Rutgers secured 10 offensive rebounds, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to score half of their points. Both teams committed turnovers, with Purdue recording 8 and Rutgers with 7.

Despite their offensive struggles, Purdue managed to build a double-digit lead by the end of the first half, carrying a 33-20 advantage into halftime.

The second half started similarly to the first, with Purdue maintaining their lead without playing their best basketball. However, Rutgers mounted a 14-3 run, fueling a comeback attempt and cutting Purdue's lead to 46-43 with an and-one play from Hyatt.

The game became a back-and-forth battle from that point on, with Purdue extending their lead with timely runs, only for Rutgers to claw their way back into contention. Rutgers found their shooting stroke from beyond the arc, with Noah Fernandes knocking down a three-pointer to bring the Scarlet Knights within two points at 50-48.

Purdue responded with a strong offensive performance, led by Edey's dominant play. The Boilermakers managed to fend off the Rutgers comeback attempts with crucial free throws and defensive stops down the stretch.

Despite the rough and physical nature of the game, Purdue demonstrated resilience and determination, wrestling with the challenges presented by Rutgers and ultimately emerging as the victors.

The win showcases Purdue's ability to adapt and find ways to win, even in challenging circumstances. They were able to weather the storm and come out on top in a gritty road victory.

While this game may not be remembered as a textbook example of college basketball, it exemplifies Purdue's determination and ability to grind out a win. The Boilermakers proved that they can excel even when faced with adversity and unconventional tactics.

Purdue's victory sets a positive tone for their season, indicating that they have the depth and resilience to overcome challenging opponents. They'll look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their campaign.