Purdue has punched its ticket to the second round of the West Region after a commanding 104-71 victory over the No. 15 seed Queens (N.C.) in St. Louis. While the Royals kept it competitive for much of the first half, the Boilermakers unleashed a 21-6 run bridging the halves, pulling ahead to a 56-36 lead and effectively sealing the game.
Braden Smith was the standout performer, dazzling with 26 points and eight assists. Smith's performance was not just about the numbers; he etched his name in the history books by becoming the NCAA's all-time assist leader in the first half. His efficiency was remarkable, going 10-of-15 from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.
Trey Kaufman-Renn also made his presence felt with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Fletcher Loyer and C.J. Cox chipped in with 14 and 11 points, respectively. Cox was particularly effective from long range, hitting three of his four attempts from downtown.
Oscar Cluff might not have hit double figures in scoring, but his contribution was invaluable. He filled the stat sheet with nine points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, showcasing his all-around game.
Looking ahead, Purdue will face the winner of the Miami (Fla.) versus Missouri matchup.
Key moments and stats:
- At 12:11 in the first half, Braden Smith set the new NCAA all-time assist record with a smooth pick-and-roll assist to Trey Kaufman-Renn, who finished emphatically at the rim.
- A pivotal 10-0 run late in the first half helped Purdue establish a 45-30 lead. C.J. Cox was instrumental in this stretch, scoring eight points, including two crucial three-pointers.
- Purdue's shooting was lights out, hitting 63% from the field (41-of-65) and an impressive 58% from three-point range (14-of-24).
- The Boilermakers dominated the glass with a 41 to 19 rebounding advantage, underscoring their physical dominance.
This performance sets the stage for Purdue as they continue their tournament journey, showcasing a blend of historical achievements and team synergy that could carry them far.