Illinois Defeats Purdue 88 to 82 in Big Ten Clash as Keaton Wagler Leads Late Surge

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Illinois delivered a statement Big Ten road win Friday night, closing strong to defeat Purdue 88 to 82 in a high tempo conference matchup that featured 14 lead changes and extended scoring runs on both sides.

Illinois trailed 43 to 39 at halftime after Purdue controlled much of the opening period behind balanced interior scoring and early three point shooting. The Boilermakers built leads of as many as 6 in the first half while Illinois relied on perimeter shot making to stay within striking distance.

The game turned in the final 6 minutes as Illinois executed offensively while tightening defensively. Keaton Wagler sparked the decisive stretch, scoring on a mix of pull up jumpers, drives, and free throws as Illinois erased a late deficit and seized control. Wagler scored multiple baskets after the score was tied at 68, including a driving layup and two late free throws that sealed the outcome.

Illinois regained the lead for good on Jake Davis’ three pointer with 2 minutes 29 seconds remaining, then extended the margin behind timely shooting from David Mirkovic and Tomislav Ivisic. Mirkovic knocked down a deep three at the 1 minute 46 mark, and Tomislav Ivisic added another from beyond the arc under a minute to push the lead to 82 to 77.

Purdue attempted to respond behind Braden Smith, who scored late from three point range and at the line, but Illinois converted 6 of its final 8 free throws to close out the win.

Wagler finished as the focal point of Illinois’ offense, consistently creating advantages off the dribble and spacing the floor. Illinois also received key contributions from Davis, Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic, and both Ivisic brothers, using depth and ball movement to counter Purdue’s interior presence.

Purdue was led by Smith and Trey Kaufman Renn, who combined for multiple scoring runs in the second half. The Boilermakers shot efficiently in stretches but struggled to secure defensive rebounds late and committed critical turnovers during Illinois’ closing run.

The victory strengthens Illinois’ positioning in the Big Ten standings and adds a significant road result against a Purdue team that entered the game unbeaten at home this season. Illinois’ ability to generate offense late without sacrificing defensive structure marked a notable step forward as conference play intensifies.

Illinois will return home for its next Big Ten matchup as Purdue looks to rebound in its upcoming conference schedule.