Robbie Hummel’s 29 points lead Purdue past Nebraska

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Robbie Hummel scored a season-high 29 points to help Purdue defeat Nebraska 83-65 on Wednesday night.

Hummel made 10 of 18 field goals and 4 of 10 3-pointers while grabbing seven rebounds for the Boilermakers (18-10, 8-7 Big Ten), who won the first meeting between the schools since 1979.

D.J. Byrd scored 15 points after being suspended for Sunday’s game against Michigan State because he was arrested by Indiana State Police for public intoxication Feb. 17. He got a loud cheer when he entered the game, then a louder one when he drained a 3-pointer on his first shot.

It was a much-needed win for the Boilermakers, who were reeling after their 76-62 loss to Michigan State.

Bo Spencer scored 14 of his 19 points in the second half for Nebraska (12-14, 4-11), which has lost five of six.

Hummel has been on fire the last four games, averaging 24.8 points and 10.5 rebounds during that stretch, including Wednesday’s game. The senior has found his shooting touch after struggling to find his way while recovering from ACL surgery on his right knee that caused him to miss last season.

Hummel didn’t even take a shot for the first 8 minutes, but he took over when he decided to start firing. He scored eight points in a 77-second span to push Purdue’s lead to 25-12.

He didn’t stop there. He finished the first half with 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting as the Boilermakers led 47-30 at the break. Purdue shot 63 percent before the break and made 7 of 15 3-pointers. Nebraska shot 48 percent in the first half yet wasn’t close.

The Boilermakers continued to roll in the second half, opening with a quick 8-3 run to extend their lead to 55-33. Purdue fans began leaving with just under 4 minutes to play, and the only remaining drama came when Purdue’s fans booed Nebraska for continually fouling and sending Purdue to the free throw line with the game out of reach.

Purdue shot 55 percent from the field and made 13 of 29 3-pointers.