Fletcher Loyer's Late-Game Heroics Lift No. 12 Purdue Past Oregon in Gritty Finish
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - It wasn’t always pretty, and it definitely wasn’t easy, but Purdue found a way.
Behind Fletcher Loyer’s clutch shooting and a gritty team effort, No. 12 Purdue fought off a determined Oregon squad for a 68-64 win Saturday afternoon. Loyer delivered when it mattered most, drilling a go-ahead three-pointer with just 51 seconds left and then calmly knocking down three of four free throws in the closing moments to ice it.
This was a game that tested Purdue’s poise, and they passed - barely - thanks to Loyer’s late-game composure and some timely plays on both ends.
Loyer Steps Up When It Counts
Loyer finished with 18 points, but it was his final five that made the difference. With the game tied and the clock ticking under a minute, Loyer pulled up from deep and buried the shot that gave Purdue a 65-63 lead.
Oregon didn’t fold, but they couldn’t find the same late-game execution. Loyer’s free throws in the final seconds sealed the deal and kept the Boilermakers from slipping into another upset loss.
It wasn’t just the shot - it was the moment. Purdue needed someone to take control, and Loyer didn’t hesitate.
Braden Smith Hits a Milestone
Braden Smith quietly had another solid all-around performance - 13 points, four rebounds, four assists - but his biggest contribution may have been a milestone that speaks to his consistency and importance to this program. With his performance Saturday, Smith became the first player in Big Ten history to notch 1,000 points and 500 assists in conference play alone. That’s not just a stat; that’s a legacy.
Smith continues to be the engine that drives Purdue. Whether he’s facilitating, scoring, or defending, he’s always in the middle of the action - and always in control.
Trey Kaufman-Renn Adds Support
Trey Kaufman-Renn chipped in 12 points, giving Purdue another steady interior presence. His ability to work the paint and create second-chance opportunities helped the Boilermakers weather Oregon’s runs and maintain balance on offense.
Oregon Brings the Fight - Again
Don’t let the record fool you - Oregon came to play. The Ducks, led by Nate Bittle’s 23 points and a strong 14-point effort from Takai Simpkins, didn’t back down from the challenge. In fact, they took a 59-56 lead with just over five minutes to go and looked poised to pull off the upset.
But as has been the case far too often this season, the final few possessions didn’t go their way. A missed three from Wei Lin with 19 seconds left and a missed free throw from Kwame Evans Jr. after grabbing the offensive board proved costly. Those are the moments that separate wins from losses - and in this case, extended Oregon’s losing streak to nine games.
The Ducks have now dropped four straight on the road and are just 1-9 since January 2. The effort is there, but the execution continues to come up just short.
Purdue Survives, Builds Momentum
For Purdue, this win marks their second straight after snapping a three-game skid. And while it wasn’t dominant, it was the kind of game that can galvanize a team heading into the stretch run of conference play. The Boilermakers haven’t had many home games recently - just two since mid-January - and this one reminded fans at Mackey Arena just how valuable home-court advantage can be when the game hangs in the balance.
It also reminded everyone that Purdue, even when not firing on all cylinders, has the depth and leadership to close out tight games.
Next up, Oregon heads to Bloomington to take on Indiana, still searching for answers - and a much-needed win.