Hold onto your hats, basketball fans! Purdue's Braden Smith just orchestrated a masterclass, leading the fifth-ranked Boilermakers to their seventh consecutive victory against Penn State with a final score of 93-85. This win also marks Purdue's fifth win in the Big Ten, showcasing their dominance in the conference.
Smith's performance was nothing short of spectacular, racking up 26 points and a stunning 14 assists. It's a testament to his all-around game that his assists almost get overshadowed by his scoring prowess. Purdue's coach, Matt Painter, summed it up perfectly, saying he sometimes just steps back and watches Smith in awe.
But here's where it gets interesting: While Smith was the star, other players shined too. Oscar Cluff dominated the paint, scoring 23 points and grabbing seven rebounds, effectively shutting down Penn State's comeback attempts with his offensive rebounding. Fletcher Loyer added 17 points, and CJ Cox contributed 16.
The Boilermakers' starters shouldered most of the scoring load, with only two points coming from the bench, courtesy of Daniel Jacobsen.
In the first half, Purdue went on an 11-0 run, building a lead. However, Penn State's surprisingly accurate shooting from beyond the arc (8 of 17 from long range) kept them in the game, and Purdue only led by a single point at halftime despite Smith's impressive 17 points and 7 assists.
Smith, who is often praised for his passing skills, reminded everyone that he's still a scoring threat. He emphasized the support he gets from his teammates, who trust him to make plays, whether scoring or passing.
The second half saw Purdue explode with a 15-5 run, fueled by Smith and Cox's three-pointers. While Purdue maintained its hot shooting, Penn State cooled off, struggling from beyond the arc. The Nittany Lions fought back, but Cox's steals and subsequent points, along with Smith's assists, helped Purdue secure a comfortable lead. Purdue ultimately won by 8 points.
Cluff's impact on the game was significant, wearing down Penn State's defense. He drew eight fouls and grabbed crucial offensive rebounds.
Smith's performance included scoring 9 points in the second half, bringing his assist total to 14, tying his season-high. This marked the fifth time in his career that he's achieved a 20-point, 10-assist game, a feat only seven players in Purdue history have accomplished. Furthermore, it was the second time in his career that Smith had scored 25+ points and had 12+ assists.
And this is the part most people miss... Purdue's victory also marked their 132nd consecutive win when scoring 90+ points.
What do you think? Did Smith's performance solidify his status as a top player? Share your thoughts in the comments!
