Purdue Joins Elite College Basketball Company With Another Perfect Nonconference Season

Purdue rounded out nonconference play with an 80-53 win over Eastern Kentucky Friday night. The Boilermakers have not lost a regular season game to a nonconference opponent in three years, joining elite college basketball company.

For a third straight season, Purdue has concluded the nonconference portion of the schedule with an undefeated record. With the accomplishment, the Boilermakers joined elite company in the world of college basketball.

Purdue rounded out the nonconference season on Friday, posting an 80-53 victory over Eastern Kentucky at Mackey Arena, finishing with an 11-0 record outside of league play. 

It marked the 35th consecutive nonconference game the Boilers have won in the regular season.

Per Fox, Purdue is now the third program in the last 50 years to string together perfect records in nonconference play for three consecutive seasons. Matt Painter's squad joined the likes of Syracuse (2009-12) and Duke (1991-94) to accomplish the feat.

Add 'em to the list! ✍️ 🙌 @BoilerBall becomes the third team in the last 50 years to go three consecutive seasons unbeaten in non-conference regular season! pic.twitter.com/SL1mE7KPwx

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 30, 2023

"It's so hard. It's hard to go on the road, it's hard to play in those neutral site games and to play the quality of competition that we have," Painter said of the achievement. "So, it's something you want, something you work towards, because you're always trying to build your resumé. You're always trying to put yourself in the best possible shape. Our guys have done it now three years in a row."

Purdue's ability to get through nonconference play unbeaten is somewhat remarkable this year. The Boilermakers have recorded wins over No. 4 Arizona, No. 6 Tennessee, No. 10 Marquette and No. 13 Gonzaga. Additionally, they've registered victories against Xavier and Alabama.

As we head into January, Purdue owns a 12-1 record and is ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Poll. The Boilermakers are looking to win a second straight Big Ten title, with conference play resuming on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Everyone will continue to point to March and the Boilers' shortcomings in the most important month of the college basketball calendar. But that shouldn't completely overshadow the impressive run Purdue has put together the past three seasons.

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