Braden Smith's Dominance Leads Purdue to Seventh Consecutive Win Over Penn State
In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, Braden Smith propelled Purdue to a 93-85 victory over Penn State, securing their seventh consecutive win. Smith's exceptional performance, marked by 26 points and 14 assists, was a testament to his versatility as a scorer and defender. This dominance was further highlighted by his ability to blend his assists seamlessly into his scoring prowess, leaving spectators in awe.
"At times, you just step back and watch him like a fan," Purdue coach Matt Painter remarked. "You just watch Braden Smith."
Smith's impact was not limited to scoring. He dominated the interior against Penn State's overmatched front line, totaling 23 points and seven rebounds. His offensive rebounding stifled the Lions' comeback hopes in the second half, showcasing his all-around excellence. Fellow starters Oscar Cluff, Fletcher Loyer, and CJ Cox also contributed significantly, with Cluff's 14 points after halftime and Cox's 11 points in the second half paving the way for the win.
Purdue's starters handled the majority of the scoring responsibilities, with only two bench points coming from Daniel Jacobsen. The team's hot shooting continued into the second half, with Penn State struggling from three-point range and seeing their field goal percentage drop slightly after halftime.
Smith's performance was even more remarkable considering his season-high 14 assists, which tied a season-high for the senior point guard. He also notched the fifth 20-point, 10-assist game of his career, a feat that places him among the seven players in program history to achieve this milestone. Additionally, Smith's 25+ points and 12+ assists marked the second time in his career that he achieved this, the other being his 34-point, 12-assist game against Toledo in 2024.
Purdue's winning streak continued with their 132nd straight victory when scoring 90+ points. The Boilermakers will now host No. 19 Iowa on Wednesday, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in Mackey Arena.
