Maryland fans could not hold their enthusiasm as the final seconds ticked off the clock. With the clock read zero the Terrapins pinned a 68-54 upset win over No. 3 Purdue. The win was Maryland’s first against a top-five opponent in seven years.
Immediately, the fans, who packed the Xfinity Center, stormed the court.
Purdue (23-4, 12-4 in Big Ten) has lost three of its last four games. The Boilermakers have become accustomed to court storming. Northwestern fans stormed the court, beating Purdue on Sunday knocked Purdue from their No. 1 ranking.
The sight is all too familiar for Purdue head coach Matt Painter.
“We’ve lost three [road] games [this season], five last year. So we’ve had eight court storms in two years. Maryand’s winning in their security. They’re No. 1. They did a great job tonight. They kicked our [expletive], and they kicked our [expletive] in the court storm,” Painter said, per Emily Giambalvo of the Washington Post.
The Boilermakers appeared on their way to a bounce-back win with an eight-point lead in the second half. Yet, Maryland responded with an emphatic 29-4 run that shifted the game’s momentum. The Terrapins never looked back.
Jahmir Young led Maryland with a game-high 20 points, as well, five rebounds and four assists. Hakim Hart added 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Meanwhile, center Julian Reese pitched with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Player of the Year candidate Zach Edey and guard Braden Smith each scored 18 points for Purdue in the loss. Edey added eight rebounds and three blocks.
Maryland’s court storm against Purdue occurred ten years to the date the Terrapins fans stormed the Xfinity Center floor following a huge win over No. 2 Duke.
Maryland’s first-year head coach Kevin Williard joked he was trying to get away from the crowd on the court because everyone tried to rub his head.
The Maryland men’s program appears to be on a resurgence under Willard. The Terrapins have won 11 straight Big Ten home games, dating back to last season. Maryland is also 14-1 at home this season. The team is now in a three-place tie for third place in the Big Ten.
