Beacons Notch First Win over a Big Ten Opponent Since 2004
(West Lafayette, IN) – Justus McNair’s 3-pointer just before the double overtime horn, and a career night from Rakim Chaney, lifted the Beacons over Purdue 83-80 Friday night at Mackey Arena.
Head Coach Roger Powell Jr. and his team celebrate their 83-80 double overtime win over Purdue Friday night.
Photo Credit: Brandon Vickrey/Valpo Athletics
In addition to hitting the game-winning 3-pointer just before the double overtime horn, McNair also hit a jumper with 1:03 left in regulation to send the game to the first overtime. The win over Purdue marks the Beacons’ first true road win over a top 25 opponent in program history, with the Boilermakers receiving votes in the Associated Press poll this week. Purdue was ranked #24 in the coaches poll this week.
The win was the Beacons’ first over a Big Ten team since December 28th, 2004 vs. Penn State. While McNair hit the game-winning 3 in double overtime, the story of the night was the career night for McNair’s fellow Sophomore, Rakim Chaney.
Coach Roger Powell Jr spoke with the Big Ten Network after the game.
Career Night for Chaney
Chaney led the Beacons with a career-high 35 points. Chaney also added a career-high 12 field goals, and tied his career-high with eight rebounds. Chaney hit the 3-pointer that sent the game to double overtime, and was 4-8 from 3 on the night. His 35 points are the most by a Valparaiso player in a game since Alec Peters scored 35 points on December 22nd, 2016 vs. Santa Clara.
The last time Chaney hit 4 or more 3s in a non-conference game was November 16th, 2025 vs. Bryant.
Insights/Notes from Valparaiso’s Win over Purdue
- The Beacons were 4-8 from the 3-point line in overtime, compared to 0-5 from 3 for Purdue in overtime. The Beacons shot just 3-19 from 3-point range in regulation. 4 of the Beacons’ 8 field goals in overtime were 3s.
- Beacons Win Turnover Battle: The Beacons turned it over just 9 times on the evening, while forcing 11 Boilermakers turnovers. The Beacons had a 13-7 advantage in Points off Turnovers.
- Valpo’s win over Purdue marks the first road win for the Beacons over a power conference team since November 24th, 2015 at Oregon State.
- Friday night’s Valpo win over Purdue is the Beacons first win over a power conference team since November 21st, 2016 vs. Alabama (neutral court game)
- Before Friday’s loss to Valparaiso, Purdue’s last loss against a Missouri Valley Conference opponent came November 27th, 1978 vs. Indiana State.Editors Note: Thank you to Valparaiso Men’s Basketball Sports Information Director Brandon Vickrey for providing some postgame notes following the Beacons’ win.
Twitter Feed
At @BradleyUMBB the Braves trail Pacific 29-19 at the half & @RacersHoops leads Northwestern State by 3 late in the half despite Roman Domon going 1/9 from the field. #FatherHarry
Great point guard battle here. @trnka_a4 for @USI_Basketball and @BryceQuinet for @UEAthletics_MBB have been electric. At the half, Eagles lead 36-30. Trnka has 13-4-3; Quinet 17-0-4. A.J. Casey has not scored. #FatherHarry
3:44 left in the half: @USI_Basketball 26 @UEAthletics_MBB 25. Very entertaining game. Quinet with 14 for the Aces and Trnka with 8 for the Screaming Eagles. #FatherHarry
There is no question that through 15 minutes of this game Bryce Quinet is the best player on the floor for either team.
