The Purdue Boilermakers delivered an impressive performance, dismantling the Michigan Wolverines 91-64 in a dominating display at Mackey Arena. After suffering a tough loss to Ohio State, Purdue bounced back with one of their most complete and dominant victories over a top 25 team in recent memory. Their defense, which has evolved into one of the nation’s most disruptive forces, set the tone from the very first possession.
Braden Smith made an immediate impact, stealing the ball and scoring a quick layup to give Purdue an early lead. This set the stage for the Boilermakers, as they quickly built a commanding 13-2 lead. Michigan tried to make adjustments, including switching to a matchup zone defense, but Purdue was unfazed. A timeout by head coach Matt Painter helped the team regain focus, and despite some foul trouble, they finished the first half strong, leading 51-26.
While Purdue fans were cautious after a late-game collapse against Ohio State, the Boilermakers made sure there would be no repeat of that meltdown. They stayed composed in the second half, not allowing Michigan to make a significant run. Despite a few key players picking up fouls, including CJ Cox and Trey Kaufman-Renn (TKR), Purdue maintained control.
Smith, playing with poise and precision, put together a near-triple double, finishing with 24 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. His performance highlighted how unstoppable he can be when playing at his best. He showed off his full range of skills, scoring from mid-range, attacking the rim, and setting up teammates. Smith made history, becoming the first Division I player this century to record 20+ points, 10+ assists, 5+ rebounds, 4+ steals, and 1 or fewer turnovers in a single game.
Alongside Smith, TKR and Fletcher Loyer played their usual steady roles. Loyer contributed 18 points, including five 3-pointers, while TKR had 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Together, the trio combined for 57 points on an efficient 54.7% shooting from the field. When the big three performs at this level, it makes Purdue nearly impossible to beat.
Purdue’s depth was also on display as the bench played a crucial role. Cox led the reserves with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals, while the entire bench contributed 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals. The support from the second unit gave the team a significant boost and allowed them to extend their lead in the second half.
One of the unsung heroes of the night was Mason Furst, whose defense was key in slowing down Michigan’s bigs. His ability to defend in the post and his overall court awareness helped Purdue control the paint. Furst’s presence on defense was a stabilizing force, much like Grady Eifert was to the 2019 team.
With this victory, Purdue improved to 8-2 in the Big Ten, trailing only Michigan State at 7-0. The Boilermakers will take a well-deserved break after playing eight games in 23 days, with their next challenge coming against the Indiana Hoosiers at home on January 31st. This win showcased Purdue’s ability to dominate when both offense and defense are clicking, and it signals they will be a serious contender in the Big Ten and beyond.
