Plus Braden Smith becomes Purdue’s all-time assists leader.
Early in the week word came out that Trey Kaufman-Renn had called a players only team meeting. These are the moments that you see in the feel good sports movie when the main character reminds the team why they play the game. Reminds them who they play the game for. Reminds them that the game is supposed to be fun. Well, whatever Kaufman-Renn led off with in that meeting seemed to light a fire under the Boilermakers to start out this game against UCLA. In the first 1:54 alone, Purdue had forced UCLA into four turnovers. Caleb Furst was diving on the floor for tie-up after tie-up. Unfortunately, Purdue wasn’t turning the turnovers into points as they had just two points off of those first four turnovers. But the effort was there and Purdue needed that.
However, it wasn’t all good for Purdue in that first half. UCLA absolutely dominated Purdue on the glass. At halftime it was 20-7 overall with UCLA evenly splitting their rebounds 10 offensive and 10 defensive. Yes, you read that right, they had more offensive rebounds in the first half than Purdue had rebounds. That’s not good. Somehow that resulted in them having just nine second change points but one of possession in particular stands out. UCLA missed three shots, grabbed multiple offensive rebounds, and grabbed away a Purdue rebound, and finished with a three -pointer. UCLA would score five more points in quick succession to take what was a 29-19 lead to 29-27 real fast. Purdue responded with a Fletcher Loyer three where he passed up the easy look for a much tougher one but made it regardless.
Purdue also played some very solid defense in the first half but just couldn’t hold on. On two of UCLA’s final three possessions in the half Purdue got the shot clock under three before UCLA scored. That can be backbreaking for a defense’s mindset. Fortunately, Purdue responded each time and went into a half up 37-35. We’ve seen though in recent weeks that Purdue has struggled to play two complete halves. The optimistic side of this tells me that Purdue’s effort was much better in this one and that they could keep it up in the second half.
John Wooden Memorial Player of the Game (JWMPOTG): Braden Smith has to be your answer here. The Junior Point Guard made his presence felt all over the court, but most important for his legacy, he broke the record for the most assists in a career at Purdue. It’s incredible that he did this in just three seasons, and he’s not done yet. He also made crucial three pointers on multiple occasions. Braden ended the game with 23 point, 3 rebounds, 8 assists.
Oddly enough it was rebounding that would bring Purdue back in the game. In the second half Purdue used offense rebounds on multiple possessions to finally find a way to push their lead. Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith both grabbed important rebounds that led to Purdue points. From the 7+ minute mark to 3:38 Purdue went on a 12-0 run highlighted by an angry Trey Kaufman-Renn and two key threes from Camden Heide and Fletcher Loyer (his third of the night). Purdue went from down 56-55 to up 67-56 and Mackey was letting UCLA know that this is the Big Ten and it’s not easy to come into (Who’s House) Our House and win a basketball game. With Rick Mount watching on Purdue found a way to put on a shooting clinic from deep in the second half going 7-14. Purdue also grabbed 5 offensive rebounds to UCLAs big fat 0 with 3:38 to play. No other stat was more emblematic of Purdue’s turn around in the back half of the second half. Purdue found another offensive rebound from Heide that led to a wide open Braden Smith three. He was open so long I think his beard grew back after the trim. Not sure why UCLA didn’t jump out on him. I guess it ultimately wouldn’t have matter though as Smith just decided to hit everything in the final five minutes of the game.
Purdue desperately needed this one and not just because of the Big Ten Tournament double bye, although that’s important too, but just to get back to winning. To know that they could do it and that this season hadn’t slipped away from them. This is a good Purdue team and they showcased it tonight against a UCLA squad that plays very good defense. Two guys deserve special shoutouts here. TKR played an angry game but was dominant at times in both halves. He finished the game with 29 points. Then there was Camden Heide who rebounded the heck out of the ball and finished with 9 rebounds. Purdue desperately needed someone to step up and grab some rebounds and Heide did it. Without those nine rebounds I’m not sure Purdue makes their comeback. It was so important.
Purdue now has just two regular season games to go. The Boilermakers are next in action against Rutgers on March 4th for the last home game of the season in Mackey Arena.