Top 10 Wins in Purdue Basketball History

Purdue basketball boasts a rich tradition filled with iconic victories, legendary players, and deep tournament runs. The Boilermakers have given fans plenty to cheer about from thrilling upsets to historic milestones. Here’s a look at the top 10 wins in Purdue basketball history.

10. Purdue vs North Carolina State (2024) Boiler return to the Title Game

Purdue dominated underdog NC State to advance to the National Championship game for the first time since 1969. This was by no means a great game, but it got a huge monkey off a Purdue team that kept getting upset in previous tournaments.

Purdue vs. NC State – Final Four NCAA tournament extended highlights

9. Purdue vs. Ohio State (2011) – The “Baby Boilers” Signature Win

In a showdown against No. 2-ranked Ohio State, Robbie Hummel, JaJuan Johnson, and E’Twaun Moore led Purdue to a massive victory. Moore’s 38-point explosion made this one of the most memorable regular-season games in Mackey Arena history.

Purdue’s Mackey Arena ERUPTS… Leaving Announcers Speechless

8. Purdue vs. Gonzaga (2000 NCAA Tournament – Sweet 16 Victory)

In a hard-fought battle, Purdue defeated Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 to reach the Elite Eight. Brian Cardinal’s leadership and gritty play helped secure this victory, making it one of the most memorable tournament wins in school history.

7. Purdue vs. Tennessee (2019 NCAA Tournament – Sweet 16)

Purdue knocked off Tennessee behind Carsen Edwards’ legendary 42-point performance. Though the Boilermakers fell in the Elite Eight, this Sweet 16 win showcased their ability to compete at the highest level. Tennessee erased a 17-point deficit, Purdue rallied to top the Volunteers in the Sweet 16.

Tennessee vs. Purdue: Sweet 16 thriller (extended highlights)

6. Purdue vs. Indiana (1980) – Beating the Hoosiers Twice

Any victory over Indiana is memorable, but beating Bob Knight’s Hoosiers in 1980 made this win even sweeter. It helped propel Purdue to the Final Four, marking one of the greatest seasons in school history.

Gene Keady’s Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

5. Purdue vs. Kansas (1994 NCAA Tournament – Second Round)

Led by Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, Purdue took down Kansas to advance to the Sweet 16. Robinson’s dominance cemented this victory as one of the most significant in Purdue’s NCAA Tournament history.

Glenn Robinson- Legends Edition

4. Purdue vs. Michigan (1969) – Clinching the Big Ten Title

With Rick Mount leading the way, Purdue secured a win over Michigan to claim the Big Ten championship and earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament. This victory was a defining moment in Purdue’s rise as a national power.

1969 Richard “Rick” C. Mount, talented basketball player at Purdue University

3. Purdue vs North Carolina (1969)- Advancing to The National Championship Game

As the Final Four unfolded at Louisville’s Freedom Hall, Mount followed up his buzzer-beater performance against Marquette by scoring 36 points in the national semifinals against North Carolina. Keller contributed 20 points in a decisive 92-65 victory over North Carolina and their legendary coach, Dean Smith said. “This is the best Big Ten team since Ohio State in the early 1960s,” Smith remarked afterward, as noted in Alan Karpick’s book, *Boilermaker Basketball: Great Purdue Teams and Players*. “Nobody shoots like they do, and they were a better defensive team than we expected.”

Rick Mount Highlights

2. Purdue vs. Tennessee (2024 NCAA Tournament – Elite 8)

Purdue took down Tennessee to advance to the Final Four for the first time since 1980. Zach Edey’s double-double performance proved pivotal in one of the most meaningful wins in program history.

Purdue vs. Tennessee – Elite Eight NCAA tournament extended highlights

1. Purdue vs. Marquette (1969 NCAA Tournament – Elite Eight Victory)

Purdue’s 75-73 overtime win over Marquette in the 1969 Elite Eight sent the Boilermakers to their first-ever Final Four. Rick Mount’s clutch shooting and leadership cemented this as the biggest win in Purdue basketball history.

With Purdue basketball continuing to rise, more historic wins are sure to come. Boiler Up! 🚂💨

1969 Purdue vs Marquette NCAA MW Reg Final