Nebraska said it is investigating fan behavior issues at Wednesday’s game against Purdue basketball, including an object thrown at the Boilermakers’ bench near the end of the game.
The athletic department statement does not mention any specific incidents. However, one video clip on social media appears to show an object flying from the crowd toward Purdue’s bench with 5.2 seconds remaining in overtime after Oscar Cluff’s and-1 layup, but before the free throw attempt that gave the Boilers a 78-77 lead.
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The statement read: “Nebraska Athletics is aware of fan behavior incidents at last night’s men’s basketball game against Purdue, including multiple instances of objects being thrown toward the team benches and court. We are working with the staff at Pinnacle Bank Arena and law enforcement officials to investigate the incidents, identify the individuals, and take appropriate disciplinary action. Once that process is completed, more information will be made public.”
When asked if someone threw something at the team, Purdue coach Matt Painter said, “if they did, they missed.” Officers in the tunnel had said they’d located the culprit, which prompted the question.
The next live-ball play saw Nebraska’s Jamarques Lawrence slip and turn the ball over near the Purdue bench. Per the television broadcast, Cornhuskers teammates Sam Hoiberg and Jared Garcia also slipped while moving to attend to Lawrence.
Cluff missed the free throw, and Nebraska took possession on a tie-up and called timeout.
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After Lawrence’s slip and turnover, Gicarri Harris made both free throws and the Boilermakers won 80-77. Nebraska had come back from a 22-point deficit early in the second half and a nine-point deficit with 2:02 to play to force overtime.
Fan throws something on court during Nebraska vs Purdue basketball game
Nebraska player slips with chance to tie game in overtime
Oscar Cluff gives Purdue basketball lead at Nebraska
The first video above shows Jack Benter, No. 14, falling on the bench in reaction to Cluff’s layup. He then looks down and to his left after an object lands near him.
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In this video of Cluff’s layup, watch the bench. Benter gets pushed back on the bench and then stands up, though the object is not clearly seen, nor is Benter’s reaction.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Nebraska basketball fan behavior in loss to Purdue being investigated
