Purdue Basketball paid the Beacons $90,000 for a buy game, only to lose to them in double overtime and record the worst start in 50 years

Purdue Basketball, ranked at No. 24 in AP’s Top 25, recorded a shaky start to the season. They lost to the Beacons 80-83 on Friday, November 6. The game also saw Purdue record their worst start in 50 years.

They fell 0-2 in the season’s beginning for the first time since 1976 after Friday’s upset after visiting the Beacons. This comes after their season opener with a 78-72 loss against Gonzaga in Las Vegas. According to USA Today, Purdue’s loss also marks the first time the Beacons have won against a Big Ten opponent since 2004, when they beat Penn State.

Purdue had to pay $90,000 just to loose

According to the IndyStar, Purdue had to pay no less than $90,000 in payout to the Beacons for the game. The cost would cover the Beacons’ fee and travel to Purdue’s home Mackey Arena in Indiana’s West Lafayette. According to the publication, Purdue will have to pay the amount to the Beacons in 30 days, and it does not include the expenses for the unpaid tickets.

This kind of a game refers to a “buy game”. It’s where two teams agree to play an out-of-conference game, according to sporting website Extra Points. The teams sign a contract, detailing who would be responsible for paying for officials, what penalties would either team have to pay if the game is cancelled and how many tickets will be given to the visiting team.

According to the website, men’s basketball buy games are generally priced between $50,000 to $110,000. The fees can represent a major source of revenue for the visiting teams.

How did the game go?

The Beacons were led by Rakim Chaney, who went on to score a career-high of 35 points. He recorded eight rebounds and six assists. However, he missed most of the second guard overtime after a foul. The team broke their 19-game losing streak against a Big Ten team, after Justus McNair called the game against Purdue with a 3-pointer beating the buzzer.

Purdue committed 11 turnovers and shot only 5-of-28 from the 3-point range, according to USA Today. Daniel Jacobsen also saw his career high. He scored 28 points with 10 rebounds. Purdue will have to turn things around, with plenty of time left, after getting into the Big Ten championship last season. They next play the Illinois State Redbirds on Monday, November 9 at home. While the Beacons meet South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Wednesday, November 11 in an away game.