Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn Lead No. 10 Purdue to Thrilling Victory Over Indiana

Braden Smith led the charge with a season-high 24 points, while Trey Kaufman-Renn sank the decisive basket with just 11 seconds remaining, allowing No. 10 Purdue to secure an 81-76 victory over Indiana on Friday night.

Kaufman-Renn contributed significantly, finishing the game with 23 points as Purdue (17-5, 9-2 Big Ten) overcame a seven-point deficit from the first half to triumph against their fierce rival.

Mackenzie Mgbako was the standout for Indiana (14-8, 5-6), scoring 25 points. Trey Galloway added 15 points, while Oumar Ballo recorded 14 points and eight rebounds. The Hoosiers are currently on a rough stretch, having lost three consecutive games and six of their last seven.

The final four minutes of the game saw six lead changes, the last of which occurred when Kaufman-Renn executed a 12-foot hook shot, putting Purdue ahead 77-76. The Boilermakers sealed their victory at the free-throw line.

Takeaways

Indiana: Despite their struggles against stronger opponents this season, the Hoosiers showed promise in this matchup. They took a halftime lead, showcasing their best performance of the season, even though they ultimately fell short.

Purdue: Coach Matt Painter has consistently guided his teams to victory in this rivalry, characterized by tenacity and resilience. Although a week between games may have contributed to a sluggish start, Smith and Kaufman-Renn managed to secure the win when it mattered most.

Key moment

In a tense finish, Indiana had an opportunity to regain the lead in the dying seconds. However, guard Myles Rice lost control of the ball while driving towards the basket with just 3.3 seconds left. Purdue seized the loose ball, forcing the Hoosiers to foul.

Key stat

A significant factor in the game was Indiana’s 20 turnovers compared to Purdue’s 10. This discrepancy resulted in a notable scoring advantage for the Boilermakers, who capitalized with a 26-15 edge in points off turnovers.