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In overtime, Cincinnati pulled it out over Purdue in an aggressive, physical game, 66-65 in overtime.

In a slow paced first half, Cincinnati started strong, scoring on 7 straight possessions. This consistency wasn’t enough to pull away however, as the score stayed within five points for the entire half. Purdue had a great time at the boards, pulling down 26 rebounds, to keep the game in reach. A big three by Vince Edwards clanged off the rim to the send the game to halftime, with Purdue up 29-26.

Following the ejection of Octavius Ellis, the game became even more physical in the second half. With arms flying during every rebound and defenses playing hard, tensions ran high.

The game remained close, with Purdue up 6 going into the final minute. Kevin Johnson hit a crucial three with 43 seconds left, and a horrible turnover by Vince Edwards allowed Cincinnati to pull within one. Jon Octeus made one of two free throws to give Purdue a two point lead, setting up a clutch layup by Troy Caupain to send into OT.

Cincinnati came out strong in overtime, going up 66-65, setting up a missed three from Vince Edwards to lock up the win.

Impact Player

Ellis came out strong tonight, going for 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and block before his ejection from the game for a forearm shiver to A.J. Hammons while boxing out. The refs called it a flagrant, which means Ellis will be sitting out next game against Kentucky, pretty much locking up any hopes Cincinnati might have had of an upset. In the highlights for this game, Ellis also had an amazing block, extending far above the rim.

Strange, Yet True

In one of the closest games of the day, neither team ever lead by more than 6 points, with the widest total being at 00:48 seconds left in the second half, when Purdue lead 56-49.

Up Next

Cincinnati heads into the round of 32 set to play the winner of the No. 1 Kentucky vs No.16 Hampton game. Barring one of the greatest upsets of all time, they’ll be playing Kentucky down one of their best players, Octavius Ellis.

Purdue finishes its season at 21-13.