Wagler Scores 46 as #11 Illinois Defeats #4 Purdue 88-82

In a thrilling college basketball matchup, freshman Keaton Wagler scored an impressive 46 points, leading No. 11 Illinois to an 88-82 victory over No. 4 Purdue. This game took place at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana, marking a significant milestone in Illinois basketball history.

Historic Performance by Wagler

Wagler’s 46 points not only set the record for the most ever scored by an opponent at Purdue’s Mackey Arena, but also the highest ever in a road victory against a top-10 AP Poll opponent. Notable achievements from his performance include:

• Nine 3-pointers, breaking the previous Illinois program record of eight.
• A shooting line of 13-17 from the field, 9-11 from beyond the arc, and 11-13 from the free-throw line.
• The most points scored by a freshman in a Big Ten game since at least the 2010-11 season.

Game Overview

Illinois improved to 17-3 overall and 8-1 in Big Ten play, maintaining their position in a three-way tie for second place in the conference. The Illini’s success in this game came despite Purdue holding a 35-24 lead in the first half. Illinois cut the deficit to 43-39 by hitting two critical late 3-pointers.

The second half featured a back-and-forth battle with 12 lead changes. Illinois seized control of the game with a 7-0 run early in the half. Neither team led by more than five points for the remainder of the contest.

Purdue’s Challenge

Purdue’s senior guard Braden Smith led his team with 27 points and provided 12 assists. He also played a crucial role in regaining the lead for Purdue midway through the second half. However, Illinois responded with key 3-pointers from Jake Davis and David Mirkovic to maintain their advantage.

The victory represents a broader trend for Illinois, as they have won six straight Big Ten road games and achieved their best start since the 2008-09 season. With this win, head coach Brad Underwood reached a significant milestone, marking his 100th Big Ten victory.

Upcoming Matchup

Looking ahead, Illinois is set to face Washington on January 29, 2026, at the State Farm Center. The game is slated to tip off at 8 pm CT, presenting another opportunity for the Illini to build on their impressive season.

As they continue their campaign, Illinois remains a formidable contender in the Big Ten, showcasing their depth and talent through performances like Wagler’s historic outing.