Now that’s how you make a statement! Purdue put on a clinic at home, dismantling the Indiana Hoosiers in a performance that showcased exactly why they're being eyed for a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The Boilermakers were firing on all cylinders, leaving the Hoosiers struggling to find their rhythm and avoid foul trouble. Mackey Arena was buzzing, a welcome change after a string of uneasy home games.
Let’s break down the game by the numbers:
29
Purdue came out swinging, quickly establishing a double-digit lead at 25-14, thanks to a Trey Kaufman-Renn ‘And-1’ play. The Boilers never looked back, extending their halftime advantage to 46-29 and eventually cruising to a 93-64 victory. This 29-point triumph is Purdue's largest over Indiana since a 120-76 blowout in 1969, marking the eighth-largest win in their storied rivalry.
18
Omar Mayer, take a bow! The freshman sensation from Israel dropped a career-high 18 points, shooting 6-8 overall and 4-5 from deep.
Mayer's been on a tear, averaging 8 points on nearly 50% shooting over the last six games. Against Indiana, he went on a personal scoring spree, netting 14 of Purdue’s 18 points in a three-minute stretch.
His hustle and flair were on full display, especially when he nailed a deep three after a chaotic sequence on the court. If Mayer keeps this up, Purdue's Final Four dreams are very much alive.
64.7
The Boilermakers were unstoppable, shooting a season-high 64.7% from the field, the best in the Matt Painter era and the highest against Indiana in series history. Purdue’s offensive cohesion was a sight to behold, a stark contrast to their struggles earlier in the season.
23-0
Fletcher Loyer was on fire, going 4-4 from three-point range. Purdue boasts a perfect 23-0 record when Loyer hits four or more triples.
He’s been a key offensive weapon, shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc this season. Over the last six games, he’s elevated his game, averaging 17.7 points and shooting nearly 49% from deep.
22.5
A significant factor in Purdue’s recent success has been their ability to draw fouls. Since the Maryland game, they’ve averaged 22.5 free throw attempts per game, up from 16.3 earlier in the season. This aggressive play has paid off, contributing to a 5-1 record in their last six outings, with their only loss coming against top-ranked Michigan.
Purdue’s performance against Indiana was a masterclass in offensive execution and defensive intensity, setting the stage for a thrilling March Madness run.