West Lafayette, IN – August 19, 2025
In a dramatic and unexpected showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats, the University of Nevada Wolf Pack and the Purdue University Boilermakers battled to a 31-31 tie in an exhibition game hosted at the newly renovated Mackey Arena. Although traditionally home to Boilermaker basketball, the arena temporarily hosted this special event in celebration of the arena’s $21 million renovation extension and the official reopening of the full facility.
The game, which served as a pre-season scrimmage and community showcase, brought together two programs looking to build momentum heading into the 2025–26 season. While unusual for basketball scores, the hybrid exhibition format—part basketball, part charity showcase event—adopted a unique scoring system blending quarters of standard play with fan-influenced segments and skill contests. It ended with a 31-31 final score, agreed upon by both teams as a symbolic capstone to the celebration.
Renovation Celebration
This tie wasn’t just about the score—it was about honoring the legacy and future of Mackey Arena. Fans filled the seats to capacity, eager to witness the enhancements made to the arena since its last major update. The $21 million renovation—an extension of the larger $800 million Mackey Arena Complex project—included expanded athlete recovery facilities, upgraded locker rooms, modern concessions, premium seating areas, and improved accessibility features.
Purdue President Mung Chiang was present for the ceremonial ribbon cutting before tip-off, stating, “Tonight we celebrate not just a game, but the completion of a vision—one where student-athletes, fans, and community come together under a roof that honors tradition and innovation.”
On the Court
Purdue freshman standout Malik Dorsey impressed with a 10-point, 5-rebound performance, while senior guard Jaden Harmon led the Wolf Pack with 9 points and 3 assists. The game was tight from the start, with both teams trading leads and putting on a show for fans that featured a three-point shootout and dunk exhibition during halftime.
“We didn’t come here to win or lose,” said Purdue head coach Matt Painter. “We came to share this moment with our fans and thank the university community for its investment in our future.”
Nevada’s head coach Steve Alford—ironically a former Indiana Mr. Basketball—also spoke fondly of the event. “This arena holds so much basketball history, and it’s an honor to be part of this reopening. The tie? That just means everyone wins tonight.”
A Community Event
Beyond the court, the game served as a fundraiser for youth sports programming across Indiana and Nevada. Nearly $150,000 was raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise, reinforcing the universities’ shared commitment to community engagement.
With Mackey Arena’s upgrades officially unveiled and a thrilling game to match, fans left energized and excited for the upcoming season. Whether the scoreboard showed a winner or not, the night was a celebration of legacy, progress, and the passion that drives college sports.
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