Braden Smith delivered an outstanding performance with a season-high 24 points, while Trey Kaufman-Renn secured the game-winning shot with just 11 seconds remaining, leading No. 10 Purdue to an 81-76 victory over Indiana on Friday night.
Kaufman-Renn added 23 points as the Boilermakers (17-5, 9-2 Big Ten) overcame a seven-point deficit in the first half to triumph over their storied rivals.
Mackenzie Mgbako was the standout for Indiana (14-8, 5-6), scoring 25 points, while Trey Galloway contributed 15 points and Oumar Ballo provided 14 points along with eight rebounds. The Hoosiers are now on a troubling streak, having lost three consecutive games and six of their last seven.
The intense rivalry showcased six lead changes in the final four minutes, with the last coming from Kaufman-Renn’s 12-foot hook shot that gave Purdue a 77-76 advantage. The Boilermakers then secured the win from the free-throw line.
Notable Observations:
For Indiana, this matchup highlighted their ongoing challenges against stronger teams over the season, although they displayed resilience with their best first-half performance, taking the lead at halftime. Even though they narrowly missed a win, this game may signal a positive shift for a team that has been struggling lately.
Purdue, under Coach Matt Painter, has developed a reputation for robust and resilient teams in this series, although the week off may have led to a slow start this time around. Nevertheless, Smith and Kaufman-Renn stepped up when it mattered most, ensuring their team came out on top.
Crucial Moment:
In a tense ending, Indiana had a chance to take back the lead, but guard Myles Rice lost control of the ball as he drove to the basket with only 3.3 seconds left. Purdue seized the chance, recovering the loose ball and forcing the Hoosiers to commit a foul.
Key Statistic:
A critical difference in the game was Indiana’s 20 turnovers compared to Purdue’s 10, allowing the Boilermakers to dominate with a scoring advantage of 26-15 off turnovers.
Upcoming Games:
Both teams will be back in action on Wednesday night, with Indiana heading to Wisconsin and Purdue visiting Iowa.
