Penn State Stuns No. 7 Purdue in Statement Victory at Bryce Jordan Center
Penn State men’s basketball announced itself as a Big Ten contender on Thursday night with a commanding 81-70 victory over No. 7 Purdue at the Bryce Jordan Center. The Nittany Lions, fueled by a balanced scoring attack and relentless defense, celebrated their first win over a top-10 opponent since 2019 in front of a raucous home crowd that stormed the court at the final buzzer.
The win was a defining moment for first-year head coach Mike Rhoades, who has brought new energy to the program alongside former VCU standout Ace Baldwin Jr.
“This is what we’ve been building toward,” Rhoades said. “Our guys played fearless basketball tonight, and the defense was outstanding.”
Balanced Attack and Defensive Dominance
Baldwin Jr. led the way for Penn State with 17 points, but the Nittany Lions showed depth and cohesion, placing five players in double figures. Their defensive pressure suffocated Purdue, forcing the Boilermakers into 24 turnovers and matching them on the boards with 24 rebounds apiece.
Purdue, typically the gold standard of Big Ten basketball, struggled to find a rhythm against the Nittany Lions’ physical and disciplined defense.
“Our defense set the tone,” Rhoades added. “We made it uncomfortable for them all night long, and that’s how you win games in this league.”
Baldwin’s "Ice in His Veins" Moment
In the second half, Baldwin hit a crucial three-pointer that electrified the crowd and punctuated the Nittany Lions’ dominance. His celebratory gesture, suggesting he had “ice in his veins,” earned him a technical foul, but Rhoades defended his star guard.
“Ace is a competitor. He brings passion and fire, and that’s what this team needs,” Rhoades said.
A Program on the Rise
The victory is another milestone in what has been a transformative season for Penn State basketball. Rhoades and Baldwin, a player-coach duo with deep ties from their time at VCU, have turned the Nittany Lions into a legitimate threat in the Big Ten.
“This team has bought into the system,” Baldwin said. “We’re playing for each other, and we’re showing what we’re capable of.”
What’s Next
Penn State (6-2) will look to build on this momentum as Big Ten play continues with a road game against Rutgers on Dec. 10. The Nittany Lions will then return to non-conference action before resuming Big Ten play in the new year.
If Thursday night was any indication, Penn State is ready to shake up the conference and push for its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011.
“We know the Big Ten is a grind,” Rhoades said. “But if we keep playing like this, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”
Joshua Torres
DiSportsPhotoAgency
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