NCAA Basketball: 68 defining moments of the 2019-20 season

25. Purdue throws its weight at Mackey. (Jan. 12th)

Purdue’s dominance at home was a trend throughout this entire season but it was most evident on January 12th when Michigan State came to visit. The Boilermakers had lost their prior two games on the road heading into this one and were desperate for a victory. The “Mackey Factor” was once again on full display seemingly from the opening tip as Purdue quickly jumped out in front. This one was never particularly close, either, as the Boilermakers kept their foot down on both ends.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, Purdue held a 29-point advantage on the scoreboard. This lopsided result was far from the expectation and pretty much epitomized how well the Boilermakers played at home throughout the year. Four different Purdue players scored in double-figures on the night as the team dished out 16 assists.

26. Jalen Clutcher beats Saint Louis. (Jan. 17th)

I’ve already talked about two of Dayton’s losses. That shouldn’t be how this Flyers’ season is remembered, though, because…*checks notes*…those were the only two losses of their entire campaign. Pretty much every other moment for Dayton feels like it was part of a dream.

The team was absolutely loaded with upperclassmen talent surrounding a sophomore star and the entire unit moved the ball on every single possession. They finished the year with the second-best adjusted offensive efficiency rating in the country as it was an incredibly special campaign.

Special seasons also include some spectacular endings. And while Dayton was on the wrong side of two overtime games earlier in the season, that was not going to be the case against Saint Louis. Jalen Crutcher decided that as he took Dayton’s fate in his own hands and buried this game-winner:

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