The Boilermakers had a ludicrous shooting night.
Purdue came into this game against Rutgers knowing that a win would go a long way in securing the double bye, and an extra day of rest, for the Big Ten Tournament. They also knew that this was a Rutgers team that Purdue already had beaten by double digits on the road. However, they also knew that Dylan Harper wasn’t 100% in that game and so the Rutgers team that Purdue faced tonight would be a different animal.
John Wooden Memorial Player of the Game (JWMPOTG): I know this is a cop out but I’m going with co-players of the game in this one. Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer will always be linked together in Purdue fans’ eyes so why not do it again here? The duo combined for 46 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists, and shot 14-25 from three. An incredible showing from the junior duo.
The first half in this one quickly turned into an offensive showcase with both teams doing their best to punch the other in the mouth hard enough that their opponent wouldn’t be able to respond. Rutgers gave Purdue a hefty shot in which they scored eight points in two, count ‘em two, seconds! This included a flagrant 1 foul on Trey Kaufman-Reno that by all accounts was well deserved as TKR seemingly placed an elbow on the Rutgers’ players head. After that though, Purdue was ready to punch back and who else would do it but Braden Smith…but also Gicarri Harris.
Rutgers was up eight and there was a fear that Rutgers’ offense was clicking and would be hard to slow down. In the next 3:09 of game play Purdue would hit five three pointers. Three from Smith and two from Harris. It was an incredible display of offensive firepower that gives hope for those of us that believe on any given night Purdue has the talent and offense to carry them to a deep tourney run. It’s me. I’m talking about me. During this run Braden Smith looked every bit the Big Ten player of the year as Rutgers for some reason decided not to press up on him on the three point line and he made them pay. Smith did go for a Carsen Edwardsesque three pointer from the logo that did not go in. I didn’t love the shot, but I love the passion, the heart, and the real big F you energy that it displayed. That killer instinct from Braden can carry this offense a long way. It helps when you’ve got guys like Harris (2-2), Fletcher Loyer (3-5), and Myles Colvin (2-3). Those are big time numbers that allow you to compete with anyone in the country. Purdue finished the first half with 50 points on 18-26 shooting including 11-17 from three.
On the defensive end though things were a bit more complicated. Rutgers, behind good some tough shooting from Ace Bailey and Dylan Harder managed 41 points. They were helped by some problematic offensive rebounding number and some Purdue turnovers. Rutgers went into the break with 7 offensive rebounds and Purdue had committed 8 turnovers. That’s a lot of extra opportunities to give to your opponent. Especially an opponent with an incredibly potent offense. The good thing for the Boilermakers is that the hot shooting start from Rutgers, going 4-6 from three at one point cooled off as they finished the half just 5-13 from three for 38.5% which is much closer to their season average.
Purdue would not take their foot off the gas in the second half as Purdue started the second half on a 21-5 run. At that point the score was 71-46 and the game was effectively over. Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer continued their three point shooting clinic with Smith finishing 7-13 from three while Loyer was 7-12. It was the first time in school history that Purdue had two players hit 7 threes a piece. Those two would get the opportunity for a rare breather in Big Ten play though as Braden Smith found himself in foul trouble with four while Loyer just deserved a break. With Smith, Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn on all the bench the Purdue lead would dwindle a little bit, but nothing too scary. Certainly not enough to justify putting your stars back in the game. In fact, with over four minutes to play Purdue was able to get in Will Berg and Brian Waddell. Berg even put up a nice put back to get himself in the scoring column.
The second half also saw Purdue improve their rebounding. Recall that they went into halftime down one in rebounding, well in the second half they outrebounded Rutgers 28-13 for a total of 40-26 on the boards. Couple this with the hot shooting and Rutgers didn’t stand a chance.
Purdue would finish the game with exactly 100 with Waddell grabbing four points to put Purdue over the top. Will Berg chipped in four of his own. As the clock wound down, Purdue was able to get every healthy Boilermaker into the game.
Purdue did their part tonight to obtain that double bye, now all eyes turn to tomorrow’s game between Maryland and Michigan.