Purdue Outmuscles Auburn at the Indy Classic in a Physical, High-Energy Matchup
On December 20, inside a packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, two heavyweight programs collided in the 2025 Indy Classic - and the Purdue Boilermakers came out swinging. Auburn brought intensity, athleticism, and effort, but Purdue’s size, discipline, and execution ultimately proved too much, as the Boilermakers controlled the tempo and the scoreboard for much of the night.
Let’s break down what made this one so compelling - and why Purdue walked away with a statement win over a tough Auburn squad.
Purdue’s Frontcourt Sets the Tone
From the opening tip, it was clear that Purdue was going to lean on its size and physicality. Forward Trey Kaufman-Renn was a handful all game long.
He attacked Auburn’s frontcourt with confidence, using his footwork and length to create space inside. Whether it was facing up or backing down, Kaufman-Renn kept the Tigers on their heels.
Daniel Jacobsen, the Boilermakers’ big man in the middle, was a force on the glass and a presence defensively. His battle with Auburn’s Filip Jović was one of the most physical matchups of the night - two skilled forwards going at it possession after possession.
Jović had his moments, especially early, showing off a smooth shooting touch and some crafty moves in the post. But over time, Purdue’s depth and size wore Auburn down.
Oscar Cluff added a highlight-reel dunk that electrified the Purdue bench and gave the Boilermakers a jolt of momentum. It was that kind of night - Purdue didn’t just play big, they played loud.
Auburn Fights - and Flashes - But Can’t Sustain
Give Auburn credit: they didn’t back down. The Tigers came out with energy and weren’t afraid to push the pace.
Keshawn Murphy was active on both ends, grabbing boards and attacking the rim. His matchup with Braden Smith, who also wore No. 3 for Purdue, gave fans plenty to watch - two versatile players trading buckets and battling in transition.
Keyshawn Hall brought some spark off the wing, showing confidence from deep and not hesitating to challenge Purdue’s perimeter defense. He also found himself in the middle of a few key defensive plays, including a scramble for a loose ball with Purdue’s Jack Benter that had the crowd on its feet.
But while Auburn had flashes of offensive rhythm, they struggled to string together consistent possessions. Purdue’s defense tightened up in key stretches, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities. Even when Auburn’s Sebastian Williams-Adams tried to inject energy - reacting emotionally to a foul call or flying in for a rebound - it wasn’t quite enough to shift the momentum.
Purdue’s Backcourt Keeps the Engine Running
Purdue’s guards didn’t just manage the game - they dictated it. Braden Smith was composed and efficient, picking his spots and making smart reads. Whether it was feeding the post or knocking down a clean look, Smith played like a floor general with total command.
Omer Mayer added a crucial bucket late in the second half, slipping past Auburn’s defense for a smooth finish. It wasn’t flashy, but it was timely - the kind of play that helps close out tough games.
And then there was Jack Benter, who wasn’t shy about letting it fly from beyond the arc. Even when his shot didn’t fall, his confidence stretched Auburn’s defense and opened up space inside for Kaufman-Renn and Jacobsen to operate.
Final Thoughts
This was a grown-man win for Purdue. They didn’t just beat a quality Auburn team - they imposed their style.
The Boilermakers controlled the glass, dominated the paint, and executed down the stretch. For Auburn, it’s a game they’ll learn from.
The talent is there, and the effort was evident. But against a team as polished and physical as Purdue, every possession matters.
As the season rolls on, both teams will be in the national conversation. But on this night in Indianapolis, it was Purdue that made the louder statement - and they did it the Boilermaker way: with toughness, execution, and a whole lot of muscle.