UNDATED (AP) — Third-ranked Purdue was able to avoid a major upset.
Trevion Williams blocked a layup try in the final seconds to secure the Boilermakers’ 62-61 victory over Maryland.
Maryland’s Donta Scott drove hard to the basket from the right baseline, but Williams rejected the shot with five seconds left. The Boilermakers corralled the loose ball, completing a rally from a 12-point deficit midway through the second half.
Purdue improved to 22-4.
Fatts Russell scored 24 points for the Terrapins, who fell to 11-14.
In other men’s top-25 action:
— Kofi Cockburn had a double-double and 13th-ranked Illinois built a sizeable lead before fending off Northwestern, 73-66. Cockburn delivered 19 points and 15 rebounds to help the Illini move to 11-3 in the Big Ten. After the Wildcats cut an 18-point, second-half lead to one, Cockburn hit six straight points and also provided Illinois’ final three baskets.
— Tyrese Martin scored all 17 of his points in the second half and No. 24 Connecticut rallied past St. John’s, 63-60. R.J. Cole added 14 points and Andre Jackson grabbed 16 rebounds to help the weary Huskies win despite shooting only 36% from the field. They moved into sole possession of third place in the Big East behind Villanova and first-place Providence.
