No. 3 Purdue Storms Back At The Hall of Fame Invitational

One of the most anticipated moments in sports, especially on the college level, is watching a highly-ranked team respond to a stunning loss. In any way, shape, or form, that team will make a statement and further create the narrative that will surround them in the weeks to follow. On Sunday afternoon, the Purdue Boilermakers let it be known what to expect from them moving forward.

The No. 3 ranked Boilermakers rallied back to defeat North Carolina State in overtime, 82-72. In front of a supportive crowd at the Barclays Center, the Boilermakers entered this year's Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational determined to make up for their stunning last-second loss to Rutgers last Thursday. And while they did lose their No. 1 ranking, Purdue proved their championship mettle and toughness by regaining their composure and gutting out a win.

"It starts with our preparation," Boilermakers starting center Trevion Williams said. "Coach [Painter] writes on the board before every game to stay patient and be aggressive. We want to make the right play and not rush anything, but we also understand when to take over down the stretch."

Williams and guard Jaden Ivey served as the main catalysts for the Boilermakers' comeback. The duo's offensive efficiency (44 points on 17-30 shooting) and versatility (Williams had 12 rebounds and nine assists and Ivey finished with seven rebounds) keyed Purdue's comeback after the Boilermakers fell behind by double digits.

And while some will criticize them for nearly losing their second consecutive game, that doesn't concern the 9-1 Boilermakers. Minus their lone loss to Rutgers, they've secured a pair of big wins against North Carolina and No. 9 Villanova and shown the ability to dominate their opposition from start to finish (They won by an average of 28 points in five of their first ten games).

"Our ability to manage the noise goes back to our times together during the summer, at team dinners, etc.," Williams said. "Those experiences have created the chemistry we have on and off the court, and it takes care of everything. We only focus on each other and believe in what's best for the team."