Purdue edges out Ole Miss with last-second basket

In the championship game of the Rady Children's Invitational held in San Diego, California, No. 13 Purdue managed to secure an 80-78 victory over No. 23 Ole Miss. The match took place on what is referred to as Black Friday in the U.S., the day after Thanksgiving, where shopping deals and sports become customary. Purdue was leading the game comfortably with a 17-point margin in the first half but witnessed a significant shift in momentum as Ole Miss stormed back to tie the game with less than 15 seconds on the clock. The game highlighted the intense competition between the two teams, where Ole Miss capitalized on missed opportunities by Purdue late in the second half. With only seconds remaining, Purdue executed a play to regain the lead after Ole Miss tied the score at 78. Braden Smith's shot missed, but Myles Colvin was quick to grab the rebound and put it back into the basket, securing the win for Purdue. This game was pivotal as it not only exhibited the resilience of Purdue, who bounced back after facing pressure late in the game, but also marked an end to Ole Miss's impressive 19-game nonconference winning streak. Purdue outperformed Ole Miss in rebounding, with a key statistic of 37 to 26, showcasing their physical dominance in the paint. Purdue's Trey Kaufman-Renn stood out with a remarkable performance, scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, displayed leadership throughout the game, particularly during crucial moments. Colvin’s contribution of 20 points solidified his role as a key player in the victory. The dramatic finish created a thrilling atmosphere for spectators, highlighting the importance of teamwork and clutch performance under pressure. Both teams showed promise throughout the season, but the loss left Ole Miss looking to regain momentum in their next matchup. Purdue's victory adds to their successful Thanksgiving week tournaments, demonstrating their effectiveness in high-stakes games. The Boilermakers are gearing up for their next game against Penn State, while Ole Miss will face Louisville, both looking to build off their experiences in this closely fought contest. The championship game served as a statement for Purdue, indicating their strengths as they move forward in the season, while Ole Miss must regroup and learn from their late-game execution failures.