When Purdue welcomed Indiana University to Mackey Arena, the stakes were high-not just for pride, but for seeding and mental fortitude. The Boilermakers needed this win, and the atmosphere was electric. From fans with cheeky signs to Purdue legend David Teague in attendance, everyone was ready to see Purdue avenge their earlier loss to IU.
The spotlight was on Purdue's "Big Three," who collectively earned the John Wooden Memorial Player of the Game honors. Fletcher Loyer was flawless, scoring 18 points.
Trey Kaufman-Renn brought defensive grit and added 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Braden Smith orchestrated the offense with precision, tallying 15 points and 8 assists as he continues his pursuit of the NCAA all-time assist record.
Together, they put up 53 points, nearly matching IU's entire team total of 57.
Purdue came out with intensity, quickly establishing a 10-3 lead thanks to early threes from Smith and Loyer. The Boilermakers' defense was cohesive, limiting IU to just one offensive rebound in the first half and outrebounding them 12-8.
Offensively, Kaufman-Renn thrived at the 5, contributing 14 first-half points. By halftime, Purdue had built a commanding 46-29 lead.
The second half opened with Purdue extending their lead to 25 points. While IU's Lamar Wilkerson tried to mount a comeback, scoring 14 of his 20 points in a spirited run, Purdue's defense held firm when it mattered. Braden Smith continued to dish out assists, while Omer Mayer provided a glimpse of the future with an impressive 18-point performance, hitting four of five from beyond the arc.
As the game wound down, the atmosphere in Mackey was jubilant. Purdue's fans celebrated as the Boilermakers showcased their killer instinct, both defensively and offensively.
With March approaching, this dominant performance was exactly what Purdue needed to regain momentum. Next up, they face Michigan State at Mackey, where they'll look to continue their winning ways.