Purdue's Braden Smith led the team to a 93-85 victory over Penn State, securing their seventh consecutive win and a 5-0 record in the Big Ten. Smith's dominance was evident, as he scored 26 points and dished out 14 assists, showcasing his dual role as a scorer and defender. This performance was a testament to his greatness, with Purdue coach Matt Painter praising his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
"At times you just step back and you’re like a fan," Painter said. "You just watch him."
Smith's offensive prowess was on full display, as he carried Purdue to an early lead. He joked about people forgetting his scoring ability, but his 17 points in the first half and 9 in the second half proved otherwise. Smith's 14 assists blended seamlessly with his scoring, highlighting his all-around impact on the court.
Purdue's starters handled the majority of the scoring, with only two bench points coming from Daniel Jacobsen. Oscar Cluff dominated the interior, scoring 23 points and grabbing seven rebounds, while Fletcher Loyer added 17 points and CJ Cox contributed 16. Cluff's offensive rebounding stifled Penn State's comeback hopes in the second half, and Cox helped secure the win with a pair of steals and a layup.
Purdue's hot shooting continued into the second half, with Smith and Cox connecting on three-pointers. Penn State struggled from three-point range, starting 0-5 in the second half. The Nittany Lions' field goal percentage dropped slightly after halftime, but they made enough shots to stay in the game.
Despite Penn State's efforts, Purdue's lead was never seriously threatened. CJ Cox sparked a run to give Purdue a 14-point advantage, and the Boilermakers held on for an eight-point win. This victory secured Purdue's 132nd straight win when scoring 90+ points.
Purdue will face No. 19 Iowa on Wednesday, who are set to play No. 16 Illinois tomorrow afternoon in Iowa City. Smith's performance against Penn State was a reminder of his ability to lead and impact the game in multiple ways, leaving fans eager to see what he'll do next.
