Purdue Fends Off UCLA to Advance to Big Ten Tournament Championship
In a gritty showdown at the United Center, Purdue capitalized on UCLA's misfortunes to secure a 73-66 victory in the Big Ten Tournament semifinal. Despite missing key players Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent, UCLA put up a valiant fight, but Purdue's resilience proved decisive.
The Boilermakers, now 6-0 in neutral court games this season, are poised to add another Big Ten Tournament championship to their collection on Sunday.
Next Up for Purdue: A Championship Clash with Michigan
Purdue will face regular-season conference champion Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament championship game. The Boilermakers will be looking to avenge their regular-season loss to the Wolverines, where they fell 91-80.
Turning Point: Purdue vs. UCLA
UCLA struck first, marking the first time Purdue trailed in the tournament. However, the Boilermakers quickly responded with a 15-point run. The first half ended with Purdue holding a 34-27 lead, thanks to Jack Benter's clutch back-to-back 3-pointers, including a buzzer-beater.
Momentum seemed firmly with Purdue until an overturned goaltending call shifted the tide. A successful UCLA challenge erased an Oscar Cluff basket, sparking a 10-2 Bruins run that tied the game at 60. Purdue responded with a crucial Cluff putback and a Loyer-led fastbreak, regaining control.
Braden Smith's Assist Milestone
Braden Smith continues to etch his name in the record books. After setting a Big Ten Tournament single-game assist record with 16 against Northwestern, Smith added 9 more against UCLA, bringing his tournament total to 35. With 1,064 career assists, Smith is just 13 shy of breaking Bobby Hurley's NCAA career record.
Purdue's Key Performers
- Fletcher Loyer: Loyer's sharpshooting was pivotal, hitting four 3-pointers and scoring 14 points to keep Purdue's offense humming.
- Trey Kaufman-Renn: In a critical first-half stretch, Kaufman-Renn provided essential scoring, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
- Oscar Cluff: Despite early struggles, Cluff's late-game heroics, including a decisive putback, contributed to his 17 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring Purdue's victory.
With their eyes set on the championship, Purdue's blend of tenacity and talent makes them a formidable opponent as they prepare to face Michigan.