No. 24 Purdue loses lead in final seconds, falls 61-60 to Maryland

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Eric Ayala made two free throws with three seconds left, and Maryland scored the final six points to rally past No. 24 Purdue 61-60 on Tuesday night, ruining the Boilermakers’ season debut in the Top 25.

Purdue led 60-55 with 1:43 remaining before Darryl Morsell drilled a 3-pointer and Ayala finished up with three free throws. Ayala made 1 of 2 at the line with 48 seconds to go and hit the final two after missing a layup, collecting his own rebound and getting fouled by Jaden Ivey.

Purdue then committed a turnover before attempting a final shot.

Aaron Wiggins had 18 points and 11 rebounds for Maryland (10-8, 4-7) and Ayala scored 16. The Terps went 8 for 13 from beyond the arc in the second half after going 1 for 12 from long range over the first 20 minutes.

Trevion Williams had 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Boilermakers, whose three-game road winning streak ended.

The Boilermakers built a 36-30 lead before successive 3-pointers by Ayala and Wiggins tied the game for the ninth time. After Williams popped a jumper, Wiggins drilled a lengthy 3 to give Maryland its first lead since 9-8.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Purdue’s visit to the Top 25 could be a brief one. Losing on the road in the Big Ten is usually acceptable — except when it comes in this fashion against a team hovering around the .500 mark.

BIG PICTURE

Purdue: The Boilermakers thought they had finally turned the corner and reached a level of consistency. Evidently not.

Maryland: This solid effort, along with a forgiving schedule over the final month, gives the Terrapins hope of making a late rush heading into the Big Ten Tournament. The only ranked team left on Maryland’s schedule is Ohio State at home.

NO SASHA

The Boilermakers were without guard Sasha Stefanovic, who missed a second straight game following a positive test for COVID-19. Stefanovic is Purdue’s second-leading scorer and the Big Ten’s leading three-point shooter by percentage (45.6).

UP NEXT

Purdue: The Boilermakers hope to have Stefanovic back for Saturday’s home game against Northwestern, which remains winless in 2021 (0-8).

Maryland: The Terps visit Penn State on Friday night, the first of two meetings between the schools.