PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Trey Kaufman-Renn led fourth-seeded Purdue to a 75-63 victory over High Point in the NCAA Tournament’s opening round on Thursday, scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Purdue (23-11), coming off last season’s notable run to the championship game, managed to fend off a potential upset thanks to a strong performance from Kaufman-Renn.
Big Ten player of the year Braden Smith contributed with 20 points and six assists, ensuring Purdue did not face an early exit. The Boilermakers are now set to face either Clemson or McNeese State in the Midwest Region’s second round this coming Saturday.
No. 13 seed High Point (29-6) saw D’Maurian Williams putting up 12 points, while Trae Benham added another 11 points for a team that had previously racked up 14 consecutive wins. The opening half was tightly contested until Purdue surged ahead with a dominating 17-7 run to secure a 37-27 lead at halftime.
High Point closed the 10-point halftime gap to 59-56, highlighted by a dunk from Juslin Bodo Bodo with just under eight minutes remaining. However, Kaufman-Renn curbed their momentum with a difficult fadeaway shot that initiated a decisive 7-0 run by the Boilermakers.
“The game was so back and forth,” Smith remarked, emphasizing the importance of composure, particularly for him, Trey, and their experienced teammates. Coach Matt Painter commended his players’ leadership, highlighting the value of transitioning smoothly between plays. “You get into trouble when you don’t move into the next play,” Painter remarked, noting the pressure a close game can exert.
High Point has plenty to reflect on after making history with their first NCAA Tournament entry. Having transitioned to Division I in 1999, the team hadn’t cracked the tournament until coach Alan Huss led them there in his second season. Huss could draw attention in the coaching market with his rising reputation.
Purdue demonstrated resilience as its senior cohort, Smith, Caleb Furst, and Fletcher Loyer, all contributed significantly in key moments. These seniors were part of the squad that once fell to a No. 16 seed, yet they’ve grown considerably since.
A point of focus for High Point has been the strategic use of the transfer portal to recruit experienced athletes, a method praised by Coach Huss as a blueprint for success moving forward. This approach reflects his belief in offering an enriching experience for new players.
The Boilermakers dominated near the basket, leveraging a 45-24 rebound advantage and outscoring their opponents 38-22 in the paint. “That’s what won us the game,” Kaufman-Renn commented, emphasizing the pivotal role of rebounding in their victory and as a focus for sustained success.
Purdue has returned to the tournament for the 16th time and 10th straight season under Painter, who is still aiming for his first NCAA championship title.