Hard fought team win over our most historic rival. 5 takeaways

This Purdue IU game will stand for some time as the signiture game for Trey Kaufman Renn

• 23 points 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Trey remained tough even when momentum slipped away during IU scoring runs
• This game will be one we remember TKR for because it was Trey Kaufman Renn who hit the shot that put Purdue ahead for good in the final seconds and had the biggest block on defense to seal the win for the Purdue Boilermakers.
• Indiana Basketball recruited this young man very hard during his high school days and IU wanted him alot. Instead he chose to go to Purdue. With this in mind, it was fitting that in the biggest game of the season for both team thus far he was the one that made the plays that decided the outcome.

When the going got rough as it did plenty of times for Purdue, Braden Smith never backed down.

• 24 points, 7 assists, and 1 rebound
• Braden wasn't perfect in this game as he commited some bad passes which turned into trunovers. However he never let those mistakes nor the pressure from Indiana's defense get to him. He just kept on attacking making plenty of jumpers inside the arc and stealing the ball away from the Hoosiers on defense.
• The Boilermakers are a tougher team to beat when Braden Smith holds nothing back and keeps on taking the fight to the opposition.

This game truly could have gone either way. There were a number of factors that helped swing the momentum in the Boilermakers favor.

• Gicarri Harris stepped up when the Boilermakers needed him most on both ends. He played a huge role in the final stand on defense which led to a Purdue win. And on offense he contniues to gorw more comfortable.
• This Purdue IU contest was filled with runs by both sides. Thankfully the Boilermakers had the last run of the contest.
• Fouls in this game had a big impact in this game. Both sides did well embracing the physical nature of this game and drawing fouls. The fouls on Purdue limited Purdue's momentum and Indiana took plenty of advantage. That said, the fouls on Indiana took their toll on the Hoosiers depth and ultimately doomed Indiana to a very tough loss. (On a side note this game was another where offciating was frustrating to watch)

So much to improve on.

• Box out, defend the glass, and rebound the fricken ball.
• Sare I say this again, avoid long scoreless spells. More consistent shot slection will help with this.
• This team needs to find more 3 pointers going forward. A team will nit win alot of games making just 2 threes at home.
• There were plenty of times Indiana had their way with Purdue's defense. Guys like Mackenzie Mgbako and Oumar Ballo gave our guys trouble all night. Hopefully this game was just an off night for an improving Purdue defense
• Sigh free throws. Plwnty of ggod free throws, but also too many misses at the stripe espescially for those who nromally make their free throws.

Conclusion

• Not the best game for the Boilermakers. They had to show their toughness and claw their way to a hard fought and well earned victory. They faced alot of adversity tonight. Some times that's how it is in college hoops. That said, as long as you win, there's no such thing as a bad victory. And when you once more beat your biggest rival, grinding out a victory like this is always worth the effort. The Boilermakers came through big time tonight against a very hungry Indiana team.

• Purdue Basketball is very lucky Matt Painter went to Purdue instead of Indiana to play college hoops. Otherwise he wouldn't be where he is today as the coach of Purdue Basketball. Coach Painter continues to make adjustments when the Boilermakers need them most. He knows what he has in this team and contiues to be in control with focus and poise. The Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Indiana Hoosiers tonight and consistently make it to march madness because Matt Painter challanges his team and coaches them the right way.

• Penty of hard work and practice awaits Purdue basketball in the coming days. Next Up, The Purdue Boilermakers travel to Iowa City to take on The Iowa Hawkeyes on Tuesday. No easy road games in the Big Ten. These underrated hawkeyes will be very hungry for a huge win against Purdue. The Boilermakers need to travel well and come out with energy and ready to play hard for the full 40 on the road once more. Boiler Up Hammer Down!

Player of The Game - Trey Kaufman Renn

All my friends that are IU fans just seem demoralized with no fight. They wholeheartedly believe they are going to get curb stomped tonight and have no fire. Makes the rivalry just a little less fun...but definitely has its benefits.

Found a couple for a little over 200 a piece after fees on Seat Geek - anyone have a line on a couple that are a little cheaper? Trying to take a friend who's never been to Mackey. Thanks in advance!

To honor our rival's continued demise, I like to revisit this memorable moment in IUBB pants-pooping

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROZdyiRlqFk

Awesome bounce back victory. 5 takeaways

The Boilermakers came out pissed off and Braden Smith played basketball with detirmination

• Led the team with 24 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds
• Not only did smith look much better this game than on Tuesday, but the entire night he was on fire and burned Michigan on both ends of Mackey arena.
• One truth remains clear, this team goes as far as Braden will lead them. When he's playing hoops with fire, focus, swagger, and poise as he has the majority of this season, it's very tough to beat this squad of Boilermakers.

Other key players of this team took their frustrations from Ohio State out on the Wolverines through bounce back efforts.

• Fletcher Loyer got back into his groove of hitting the big shots and more.
• Trey Kaufman Renn made Michigan feel his wrath in the paint.
• Big night for CJ Cox who provided a spark early for Purdue which the Boilermakers fed off of en route to a huge first half in which the team scored 51 of their 91 points.

The defense was alive and well at Mackey in this contest

• The Boilermakers turned the Wolverines over 22 times and held Michigan to below their average of 80 points per game.
• The defense made life in the passing lanes brutal for Michigan forcing 14 steals.
• They held the wolverines to 37% in field goals. The defense created energy for the offense and they fed of the enrgy the offense gave them. On defense, the Boilermakers were locked in and in sync.

Other observations

• Gicarri Harris continues to show growth on offense. This has become very evident at the start of 2025.
• Great to see Raleigh Burgess show poise from the arc hitting some crucial threes and in the paint.
• Caleb Furst continues to play impactful minutes.
• 9 different scorers for the Boilermakers and just 6 turnovers. Good stuff.
• Offensive rebounds went 15-10 in favor of Purdue
• Avoiding foul truble needs some attention
• Loudest Game of 2025 thus far for The Paint crew and Mackey Arena. The fans did not let up for even one moment. Best place to watch basketball

Conclusion

• This was a game the Boilermakers had to have after a disapointing home loss to OSU. Purdue didn't just win this game and bounce back, they took all the negative energy of the last game out on a very good Michigan team and ran them out of Mackey.
• The team was angry, but more importantly they were balanced between pissed off and focused. The Boilermakers were locked in, poised, and hungry. They fully took advantage of the loud home crowd. Balance and focus are hat this team needs each and every week wether it's rebounding or maintaining a winning streak.
• Now this team will get a much needed week of rest. This upcoming friday, a historic rivalry will be renwed once more. Round one between Purdue and Indiana at Mackey Arena. The Boilermakers will need to be ready through practice and hard work. And they will need to come out ready to play hard for 40 minutes in a game that means so much more in the state of Indiana aka The Basketball State. Boiler Up Hammer Down!

Player of The Game - Braden Smith

Odom listed third https://bvmsports.com/2025/01/23/ranking-the-top-10-college-football-coaching-hires-2/

First home loss in almost 2 years and a painful loss. 5 takeaways

This loss was a tale of two halves for Purdue Basketball

• Offense was humming in the first half with 41 points. They sputterd in the second half with 29 points. Too many missed layups, jumpers, and 3 pointers and of course scoring droughts.
• Defense played well in the first half limiting Bruce Thorton. But in the second half, the defense struggled to contain Ohio State's shooters and all the shots were falling for Ohio State. The problems on offense also put the defense in a tough spot.
• There was plenty of energy for the Boilermakers in the first half. In the second half there was a lack of focus and calm. Tonight the Boilermakers had their worst second half of the season.

The score of the game does not reflect at all how many points the Boilermakers left on the table.

• For the third game in a row, Purdue struggled to hit 3's landing just 3 of 9 3 point attempts. (33%) The Boilermakers need to rediscover their stride from downtown quickly.
• The Boilermakers hit just 26 of their 54 field goal attempts. If you watched the game you know just how many simple layups were missed. Braden Smith who really thrives and jump shots was off in this game. He missed a lot of shots he normally makes.
• Both sides had their scoring runs in the second half. The Boilermakers went up by 6 at one point and had a chance to really run away with this game in the final minutes. However in those crucial minutes, the missed shots and layups piled up and put the pressure which Purdue could not overcome in this game. credit to Ohio State's defense for apply pressure of their own. This game could have gone a different way if the Boilermakers finished at the rim much more often in this game.

The Purdue Boilermakers had trouble generating momentum and energy in the second half which made a huge difference in the outcome of the game.

• Purdue's 13 point lead to start the second half vanished quickly because the team came out very sluggish to start the half, but also they could not find enough focus to slow the Buckeyes down in the first ten minutes. In the final minutes of the game, Purdue struggled to slow down the Buckeyes offense when they went on their game winning run. They did slow Ohio State down, but by then it was too late.
• While Purdue did generate one run that saw them go up by 6, they couldn't find a way to build up their lead further while Ohio State found a way on their final run.
• Many of Purdue's possessions in the second half were unorganized and lacking focus which prevented the creation of momentum plus energy or maintaining any momentum and energy. Going forward, it will be important for this team to keep their focus one moment at a time. If they can do this, good things will follow including plenty of energy.

Positives

• While Trey Kaufman Renn struggled with being calm at times in this game like the rest of the team, he did lead the team with 26 points and played like a beast in the paint.
• Gicarri Harris has been playing good basketball lately. He hit two of Purdue 3 point shots in this games. His efforts in the last 3 games shouldn't be overlooked.
• Plenty to like about the efforts of CJ Cox as well. The stats don't tell the whole story.

Conclusion

• Brutal loss to take at Mackey Arena. Ohio State made the plays when it was crunch time so they deserved to win. This loss is one of those losses where this Purdue team is going to look back and wonder what happend. The again with a young team like this Purdue basketball team, there will memerable and fun games along with letdown games like this one. Highs and lows.

• Plenty of lessons to take from this game. Plenty from this game to learn from and work hard on. How this team responds to this kind of loss will be a huge tell on who they are as a team and what their potential is in March. For now this team needs to take the lessons from this game and move forward. Not much time for rest. Practice hard and work harder.

• Next up, The Purdue Boilermakers host the Michigan Wolverines on Friday at Mackey Arena. This new and improved Michigan team led by Dusty May will be hungry for a big win. This Boilermakers basketball team will need to come out very angry and strong if they want to bounce back. Boiler Up!

Player of The Game - Trey Kaufman Renn

On a side note, like most of you I don't have alot of good to say about the refs for this game. They didn't cost Purdue the game but their efforts were lazy and thats me trying to be kind.

2 tough games in the Pacific Northwest, 2 victories. 5 takeaways

Trey Kaufman Renn's grit on offense was on full display

• 23 points, 11 rebounds, and an assist
• TKR has struggled at the free throw line this season. In this game he was perfect at the stripe.
• While Trey tends to start games slow, he finds his momentum in the second half. And when Purdue needs him most, he scores tough baskets even when the going gets very rough as it did at all times in this game. In terms of being tough, Trey is underrated.

In games like this one, The Boilermakers have to be very thankful to have Braden Smith on their side

• 15 points, 7assists, and 4 rebounds.
• A great point gaurd will always have an impact on the game even when their shot isn't falling. Even when Braden wasn't scoring, he was causing chaos on defense and making life difficult for the Oregon Ducks.
• The Boilermakers won both games this week in the pacific Northwest because Braden Smith gave it 100% for the full 40.

In a battle were defense defined the day, it was Purdue's defense that made the difference in the outcome.

• The Boilermakers defense forced Oregon into 16 turnovers and had 8 steals. They also held a high scoring Oregon team to under 60 points.
• At one point, Oregon was faced with a 7 minute scoring drought in the second half. This was the Purdue defense playing at it's best and attacking the ducks with physical intensity.
• Guys like Myles Colvin, Gicarri Harris, and Claeb Furst were making a difference
• The defense that Purdue basketball has been playing in this 7 game winning streak has been remarkable. Infact this defense continues to improve each and every game. If the team can keep gorwing on defense, they can do some big damage in the ncaa tournament. The Boilermakers played march madness caliber defense on the road this week.

Areas to improve

• While Purdue has worked hard on taking care of the basketball, 12 turnovers in this game is too many.
• Even with Oregon's defense defending Purdue shooters very very well, the team will need to hit way more than 2 shots to win tough games going forward.
• The Boilermakers had some good moments facing Oregon's full court press and some not so good moments too. The team has work to do improving agains't the press.
• Also avoid scoring droughts and make smarter decisions during those droughts.

Conclusion

• What a grind and what a demanding game. Hard fought and well earned victory for the old gold and black. This young Purdue Boilermakers team has made a lot of progress since the Auburn loss and the results of this trip out west adds more proof to this.
• If the Boilermakers were going to go 2-0 in their Pacific Northwest trip, they needed to be tough and they needed plenty of grit. Purdue Basketball showed their toughness and grit and then some! In their 7 game winning streak, Purdue has built up their toughness and gained more grit.
• After a grueling week out west, The Boilermakers will return home to West Lafayette for their next 3 games. Next up The Boilermakers will play The Buckeyes of Ohio State on Tuesday. The team is going to be very happy to be back home because now they face a rather quick turnaround and a hungry Ohio State basketball team. Practice hard and work hard. Boiler Up Hammer Down!

Players of the game - Trey Kaufman Renn and Braden Smith

One game on the West Coast down, one victory! 5 takeaways

This contest was a tale of two halves for Purdue Basketball

• 0 3 pointers in the first half, 4 in the second half. Only 22 points in the first half vs. 47 in the second half. Night and Day for the offense.
• The Huskies took the fight to the Boilermakers in the first half. In the second half, The Boilermakers took control and maintained that control on both offense and defense.
• Speaking of defense, they had good moments in the first half but began to struggle as the first half went. In the second half they not only matched Washington's intensity, they made things a bit too intense for the Huskies offense.
• A Jet lagged effort in the first half followed by a full steam ahead effort in the second.

One of the best games Caleb Furst played a a Boilermaker

• 15 points and 6 rebounds.
• Even when the going got rough in the first half, Furst never falterd. He just kept fighting and doing his best to give the Boilermakers any sort of spark. In the second half, Caleb was a menance to Washington on both sides of the ball.
• The Boilermakers are on a 6 game winning streak in large part because Caleb Furst has found a whole new gear in his game and contiues to pick up steam the more he plays. If Purdue makes a deep run in march this year, he will be a big key to it all. This man is playing his best basketball in his Senior year and I am so fucking happy for him. Right now, Caleb is one of Purdue's most important and toughest players. Keep up the good work Caleb.

When the Boilermakers needed it most, Their big 3 had a big second half.

• Wouldn't surpise me if Braden Smith was the most vocal in the locker room at the half. It was Braden whose efforts to start the second half got the train rolling.
• Trey Kaufman Renn struggled mightly in the first half, then went full beast mode on offense in the second half leading Purdue with 19 points.
• Fletcher Loyer was overwhelmed by the physical nature of the first half, but that didn't stop big shot Fletch from hitting key buckets in the second half.

Plenty to improve upon out West

• Going forward, it will be very critical for this team to not only avoid scoring droughts, but also match the intensity from the opposition on the road for the full 40. Momentum is key.
• This team for sure needs to balance passing when needed and shooting when necessary.
• More transition offense please. That's one way to flip the momentum in your favor. Also let's try not to miss easy layups.

Conclusion

• Plenty to work on. That said, going on the road and on the road to the West Coast is never going to be easy. The Boilermakers did a great job rallying in the second half to earn a hard fought victory over a persistent Washignton Huskies Basketball team.
• Every team goes through challanging games like this. Teams that can face the adversity and find a way to win on the raod are very good basketball teams. This Purdue Basketball team is not perfect, bt they are a very good basketball team.
• If Wednesday was very tough, then Saturday will be an even tougher test. Purdue Basketball travels to Eugene Oregon to take on the Oregon Ducks. These Ducks are very very very good and the Boilermakers will have their hands full and then some. practice hard and work hard and be ready to play hard for tghe full 40. Boiler Up Hammer Down!

Player of The Game - Caleb Furst

Outstanding Team victory! 5 takeaways

CJ Cox remember the name

• Career high 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists
• 100% a breakout game for the freshman. Cj was everywhere on both sides of the ball. He was one of the guys who kept the hammer down on The Cornhuskers for the Boilermakers. In this game no doubt he shot for the stars.
• With time and experience, this guy could be a Boilermaker Legend in the making. He's already a fan fvorite and for all the right reasons.

Purdue's Big 3 continue to prove they are the best of the best this team has to offer.

• Right now, we are all witnesses to a legendary tear that Braden Smith is on with all the assists he's earned in Purdue's 5 game winning streak. 14 assists for Smith in this game.
• Fletcher Loyer in his 3rd season as a Boilermaker contiues to be way more of the best version of himself both inside the arc and from downtown. 19 points in this game for Loyer.
• Trey Kaufman Renn was focused and calm bullying Nebraska inside the paint. When the ball comes to him insde, more times than not, he's at his best.

The Boilermakers are on a 5 game winning stride because the team has stepped up big time on defense and continues to do so.

• The Boilermaker defense has improved on forcing turnovers. They turned the cornhuskers over 17 times and forced 11 steals.
• The Boilermaker defense held Nebraska to under 50% in field goals and 22% from 3.
• On defensive rebounding, The Boilermakers outrebounded the huskers 24-16. The defense did not give Nebraska a whole lot of breathing room for the full 40 and much more.

Other observations

• 19 made 3 pointers and 32 total assists. Holy shit talk about great numbers and more reasons why The Boilermakers dominated this game.
• Myles Colvin has to feel good about his performance today. He was at his best for the first time in awhile and made some big shots.
• Don't overlook the efforts of Gicarri Harris and Raleigh Burgess. These two have been playing plenty of meaningful minutes as of late. Like CJ Cox, These guys will be key to the future of this team in life after Braden Smith.
• On the Offensive glass, Purdue outrebounded Nebraska 11 to 5. Good to to see this team outrebounded the opposition on both ends once more this season.
• Best highlights of the game were the backwards dunks by Myles Colvin and Cam Heide. Those two imo are the only two on this team who can pull off those impressive dunks. On a side note, shout out to Brian Waddell.

Conclusion

• Purdue's best win of 2025 thus far. The Boilermakers were focused, in sync, and having all the fun for the full 40 minutes. This was against a very good Nebraska team who is better than they showed in this game. Hard to beat this Purdue team when they are firing on all cylinders at home.
• Like the majority of Boilermaker nation, I'm going to continue to keep on trusting Coach Matt Painter. Cleary in this winning streak, he has found a starting lineup and more that has this team building a lot of momentum and playing some of their best basketball. While the Boilermakers have yet to face most of the best big ten teams, right now the big teams they have faced, they are winning against convincingly.
• The biggest challanges lie ahead. To kick off the west coast road trip, The Boilermakers take on The Washington Huskies in Seattle next week. Life on the road is never easy. Let's see if this team has what it takes to keep the winning streak going out west on Wednesday. Boiler Up Hammer Down!

Player of The Game - CJ Cox

My 4 year old daughter asked if we could watch a movie tonight. I told her my favorite team, the Bucs, are playing tonight. Her response? “Nooo, I only like watching Purdue!”

2 wins in a row at Jersey Mike's Arena. 5 takeaways

The Boilermakers have momentum as long as Braden Smith continues to push the ball

• 16 points, 14 assists, and 3 rebounds
• In this game, Smith showed great balenced in shot selection and passing the ball to others on offense.
• Witht the way Braden is upd his game since Auburn, I have a feeling he's going to earn alot of awards when this season is over.

Plenty of good was on display from the rest of the team

• I haven't talked alot about Trey Kaufman Renn recently, but he's been very focused with his good efforts latelty. (Need him to stay out of foul trouble) He had a terrific second half at Rutgers.
• Fletcher Loyer contiues to do his thing
• The stats won't tell the entire story, but this was a very good game for Gicarri Harris on both ends of the court. He hit the most important 3 pointer in the game for Purdue which gave the Boilermakers momentum for good.
• Caleb Furst contiues to show he has found a new gear in this new year.
• Great to see Camden Heide and CJ Cox provide some energy and find points.
• Given time and experince, I think Raleigh Burgess will be a key piece for this Purdue team.

The Boilermakers controlled this game in large part because of their defense

• The Boilermakers defense forced 15 turnovers. While some were due to Rutgers errors, The Boilermakers speed on defense played a part in this as well.
• The Boilermakers did a great job defending both Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. Harper would score just 6 points in the game and Ace Bailey did not get things rolling until the second half.
• Purdue gave the Scarlet Knights nothing easy for the most part in the paint and their relentlessness on defense forced alot of offensive fouls.

Things to work on

• The Boilermakers would have won this game by more if more than 4 threes fall through the net. Everyone has a bad shooting night. For Purdue basketball, let's try to keep these nights to a minimum.
• While some of the calls were a bit ticky tacky, let's try not to foul 17 times a game.
• Free throws gotta make them.

Conclusion

• 4 wins in a row and honestly this was one of the best full 40 efforts from this team this season. Jersey Mike's Arena is a very tough place to play hoops at. For the Boilermakers to come in and control almost the entire game is something worth noting.
• Honestly, This Boilermaker team right now is playing like theres new chemistry in the building and it's very refreshing to see. Matt Painter contiues to work wonders.
• Back to the hard work and practice. Next up, Nebraska comes to Mackey Arena to take on The Purdue Boilermakers. Should be a terrifci challange for Matt Painter and Company. Boiler Up Hammer Down!

Player of The Game - Braden Smith

Outstanding win at Mackey. 5 takeaways

Since the Auburn game, Braden Smith has truly taken a more aggressive approach.

• 22 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds vs. Northwestern.
• Braden has become truly lethal when it comes to jump shots. Him being more aggressive as of late is a big reason behind the rise in stock of his jump shots.
• Right now for Purdue Basketball it's a simple strategy, the more shots Braden Smith takes hit or miss the better things will be.

The Younger Boilermakers had a huge impact on this game.

• Great to see Myles Colvin hit some shots and play with confidence once more.
• CJ Cox led the way for the freshmen. He shot the ball well and created energy.
• The efforts of Giccari Harris and Raleigh Burgess cannot be overlooked. they contiue to grow with the minutes they are given.
• The young guns mentioned here were amoung 9 different Boilermakers who scored. They played very hard o both sides of the ball for the full 40 minutes.

One of Purdue's best games this season when one looks at the defense

• The Boilermaker defense held the Wildcat duo of Brooks Barnheizer and Nick Martinelli to just 4 points combined in the first half. Those two in total combined had just 21 points.
• Purdue defended Barnheizer and Martinelli so well that they were forced to pass the ball around more than Northwestern wanted. The Boilermakerd forced other wildcats to try and step up and beat them.
• To top it all off, The Boilermakers forced 13 turnovers, had 7 steals on defense, and held Northwestern to 38% on field goals. the defense held Northwestern to 61 points with the wildcats having just 18 points in the first half. Overall The Boilermakers made life at Mackey hard for Northwestern Basketball.

Other observations

• The stats don't tell all the story, Caleb Furst continues to play with purpose as of late.
• Avoiding scoring droughts still needs work, however the Boilermakers did a great job in the second half holding onto offensive momentum.
• This team is improving on rebounding the ball, however theres still a ways to go there.
• 50% on field goals and 40% from 3. Good stuff.

Conclusion

• On both ends of the court, The Boilermakers played one of their best basketball games on the season and agains't a team in my opinion that's better than what they showed at Mackey.
• The Boilermakers set the energy level for the game and Northwestern was unable to match that energy for the full 40. Going forward, it's key for this young team to not only start strong, but set the tone very early each and every game.
• It's January, no better month for Purdue basketball to build momentum through stringing together gamer winning efforts and hard work in practice plus film. Up next, Purdue goes into Piscataway New Jersey and The RAC to take on The Rutgers Scarlet Knights. A much improved team from last season. This matchup will without a doubt be a harcore stress test for Purdue basketball. The team needs to bring the enrgy on Thursday. Boiler Up Hammer Down!

Player of The Game - Braden Smith

I'm wondering why he didn't have much success at Purdue. Was it recruiting in the age of NIL or just couldn't make the jump to head-coach? He seemed to have good success as a DC elsewhere. Thanks.

First True Road Win of the season! 5 takeaways

The Boilermakers pulled away in the second half in large part thanks to Braden Smith

• 20 points, 10 aissts, and 6 rebounds on the night
• Smith provided the spark the Boilermaker offense needed in the second half by making some crucial 3 pointers
• Everything that Braden Smith can do for Purdue Basketball, the team will not all these things from him as much as possible in 2025.

Fletcher Loyer contiues to look like a different player than he was in his first two seasons.

• Loyer scored 24 points and tallied 3 assists vs the golden gophers
• Not only does Fletcher looked more confident and filled with more swagger, He's become a more balenced scorer shooting when needed and driving inside when needed.
• In addition, Fletcher has toughened up this year. He's been pushed around alot this season and in his third year, more times than not, he's improved in getting back up and not losing his focus. The Boilermakers are a better team when Fletch is focused and having fun.

Claeb Furst played like a true x factor in this game

• Furst tallied 11 points, 6 rebounds, and a single assist
• Caleb gave it his all for the full 40 on both the offensive and defensive glass. When things weren't going well for Purdue in the first half, Caleb's contributions helped steady the course for the team.
• The Boilermakers have a better chane of winning games when Caleb Furst in playing with poise and confidence. Hopefully his best game is yet to come.

Other observations

• Going forward, this team needs to start faster in both halves and do better in limiting scorless droughts
• Beleive it or not, The Boilermakers had just 2 turnovers in this game. The team did a outstanding job taking care of the rock.
• Rebounding still needs plenty of work. With that said, This game was one of the better games for Purdue in terms of rebounding only getting outrebounded on offense by 1.
• Offense struggled in the first half. The 3 pointers in the second half truly helped the team get things going on offense leading to 81 points total.
• The defense wasn't perfect however the Boilermakers played fairly well on defense in this game mainly in the first half.

Conclusion

• This game was onw in which The Boilermakers had to have and they played well enough overall to pull away and come away with their first true road win this college hoops season.
• Still plenty for this team to work on. Matt Painter is doing the best he can to figure things out, however I wouldn't be surprised if we see more changes to the starting lineup.
• More practice and hard work ahead. Next Up, The Boilermakers return to Mackey to face The Northwestern Wildcats. First home game of 2025 and The Boilermakers will face a very angry wildcats team. The Boilermakers will need to be ready to play their best against this underrated team from Evanston. Shoot they will have to be better than they were tonight. Welcome to 2025 Boilermaker Nation. Boiler Up Hammer Down!

Player of The Game - Braden Smith

Solid Win to end 2024. 5 takeaways

Braden Smith had a full liftoff night againts the Rockets

• Double Double for one of the nation's best point gaurds with I beleive a career high 34 points and 12 assists.
• Any opportunity to take a shot, Braden was shooting, any chance to setup a scoring play, Braden was involved, and whenever the Boilermakers needed a play on defense and offense, number 3 was answering the call
• This game was all about Braden Smith. Absolute Masterclass! This team will go as far as Braden Smith will elevate them.

Braden Smith led the way, Tray Kaufman Renn and Fletcher Loyer provided power

• 23 points for Trey and 17 points for Fletcher
• It was good to see TRK find some of that brute poise he's played with in previous games and attack the rockets in the paint. Fletcher Loyer continues to play consistent basketball and hit shots and drive inside when Purdue needs him to most.
• On both ends of the court, these two were making a difference. Along with Braden Smith, Kaufman Renn and Loyer are key to Purdue's success in 2025.

If Purdue wants to three peat as B1G Champs, they need more than the Big 3 scoring the majority of points.

• The Boilermaker bench had just 9 points while the Big 3 had 74 points.
• The Boilermakers need Cam Heide to find his cofidence in conference play and Myles Colvin to rediscover the explosiveness he had in Novemeber.
• Yes this is a development year for this young team, but if the others can find some more socring, that will not only help with develpment, but will put Purdue in a better position to close out and win tough games. If not, this team will have to claw their way each and every game.

Other Observations

• Purdue will have to fight hard for each win because rebounding right now contiues to be a consistent weakness this season and most likely this issue will continue to linger.
• Despite Toledo's fercious defense, The Boilermakers turned the ball over just 8 times while forcing 14 turnovers. 9 of those were steals
• It's not everyday Purdue commits more fouls than the other team. Not too worried about this.

Conclusion

• Despite my concerns with scoring depth, all in all this was a very good team effort and team win. Terrific way to close out 2024 non confernce play at 9-4.

• This young Boilermaker team faces plenty of questions heading into conference play in 2025. Plenty to work on for the new year. We are going to find out what this team is made of in conference play.

• Next up, Purdue travels to Minnesota to face the Gophers in their first conference game of 2025. Purdue will need to bring their A game to start the new year. Happy New Years Boilermaker Nation and Boiler Up and Hammer Down!

Player of The Game - Braden Smith

On a side note, I kinda feel bad for the guy representing Toledo who airballed two free throws at the line. Tough. Very strange to see something like this.

Looking at stubhub tix for the Toledo game. Noticing some that are typically in Paint Crew sections. Are these tickets general sale tickets during Xmas break? We don’t want to stand the whole time. What can I expect if we buy in one of the PC sections? Looking specifically at upper bowl.

Thanks and Boiler Up!

Could the big ten conference ever kick out Purdue? In leaning towards they can not kick Purdue out because it’s a founding member somewhat and then there is no big ten. I could see them getting less money because of revenue sharing but could they be kicked out of the conference?

Quick update on our portal additions...

Since I made my post about Malachi, Fr Jamari Payne withdrew from the portal (DNP last season).

Additions...

Mason Vicari Fr IOL - Played in 8 games at UNLV this season. Can't find any stats in regard to how many snaps he played. Website that had their depth chart had him listed as a backup.

Christian Moore (No idea how to classify him. He's played 4/5 years) TE - Started career at K-State before doing one year at UNLV. ESPN Career stats... 4 receptions for 34 yds and 1 TD.

Hank Purvis Fr IOL - Played in 13 games at UNLV this season. Once again, no stats on how many snaps he played. Depth chart website doesn't even have him listed (potential special teams guy?).

Alex Sanford So LB - Arkansas transfer. ESPN career stats.... 1 tackle.

Carson Dean RS-Fr LB - Arkansas Transfer. ESPN career stats... 1 tackle.

EJ Colson Fr QB - UCF Transfer... ESPN Career Stats 9/16 64 Yds 1 TD, 1 INT

I wonder if Painter wished he would have cut the check to those "entitled" 4 & 5 ☆ recruits this morning.

Back 2 Back tough losses to take. 5 quick takeaways

1. Auburn's terrific defense proved to be a harbinger of bad times for the Boilermakers offense. Plenty of times they got into the passing lanes and never gave the Boilermakers any easy shots.

2. Free throw missess and rebounding sunk the Boilermakers in this game. Purdue drew alot of fouls but could not capitalize at the stripe. The Boilermakers needed a big game shooting from 3 which they could not find and hit just 39% of their field goals.

3. Although Purdue had 8 different Boilermakers score points, none of these points came from Myles colvin or Cam Heide. The Boilermakers need more from those two guys going forward.

4. The Boilermakers faced lengthy scoring droughts in both halves. And it's scoring droughts that have taken them out of all the games they have lost this season. Offense needs to push harder and maintain momentum.

5. Stop me if you have heard this before, Purdue losses badley to a team with athletes who can prressure and defend. Credit to Auburn. They are as good as advertised. Despite the struggles in this game, I still believe this Purdue team will make the NCAA Tournament in 2025. However their will be teams in the Big ten that will give the Boilermakers the same trouble Auburn did. This team has a long way to go. Onto Toledo!

Player of The Game - Trey Kaufmn Renn

Arkansas Transfer. Should have three years here.

Career Stats at Arkansas: 21/28 358 Yds 1 TD

https://247sports.com/player/malachi-singleton-46081356/

https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/roster/malachi-singleton/

No seriously. Jake Trump from Arkansas is D-End Coach for BO. He and Kelvin Green are both coming here from Arkansas.

Trump played for Odom at Mizzou (as well as was a defensive quality control coach under Odom at Arkansas) and has been coaching since 2019, and Green was at Arkansas as a senior defensive quality control coach when Odom was there.

Seems the entire team is going to the portal.

Yet another loss to an athletic and ferocious team. 5 takeaways

Like Marquette and Penn State, Texas A&M's style of play affected the mindset of the Boilermakers.

• The Aggies intense style of defense led to 16 Purdue turnovers and too many indecisive passes for Purdue basketball.
• The game got very physcial in the first half which took it's toll on The Boilermakers and any flow to the game they were hoping to establish.
• Credit to The Aggies defense, they didn't give Purdue anything easy inside the arc and their defense affected the mindset of the Boilermaker enough to where even wide open 3's did not fall.

Life was painfully difficult for Purdue's 3 best players

• Braden Smith played aggressively and did whatever he could to create a spark for the team. That being said, he forced too many passes in this game.
• While this game wasn't the worst game ever for Fletcher Loyer, him not taking a single 3 point shot is unacceptable.
• No sugar coating one thing, Trey Kaufman Renn had one of his worst games as a Purdue Boilermaker. He looked out of rythm and uncomfortable for the full 40 minutes.

The youth of the bench is a weakness for the Boilermakers in 2024.

• CJ Cox is more than capable of providing a spark when the team needs it, however he has a ways to go in being more consistent.
• Gicarri Harris continues to be green. I beleive he will be a good basketball player, but for now he's got so much more to learn.
• I hope Will Berg can find a way to right the ship, but sadly this team may not be a good fit for him.
• One has to wonder why Raleigh Burgess never came into the game.

Other observations.

• In both halves of the game, The Boilermakers went through a long scoring drought and due to both The pressure of the aggies defense, turnovers, bad passes, and the lack of bench production. And these were some of the longest droughts I've ever seen for The Boilermakers. This team will not win many games this season if these droughts keep persisting.
• Dribble pentration, offensive rebounding, and 3 pointers by Texas A&M doomed Purdue on defense. (Rebound the fricken ball)
• The Boilermakers were able to find scoring success in transition from turning the aggies over on defense. They needed more of that to win this game.

Conclusion

• Kudos to Texas A&M. They are a better team than their ranking would indicate. They mentally beat up the Boilermakers from start to finish. This young Purdue Boilermaker team has alot of flaws and alot to work on. More questions than answers so far.
• One can appreciate Matt Painter and Purdue athletics for scheduling tough games to improve the team. With that said, this team right now looks overwhelmed by almost everything this tough schedule has been throwing at them espiscally the underclassmen. While I beleive this team will make this season's ncaa tournament, as of now it's hard to believe they can 3-pete as Big Ten Champions and earn a high seed in March Madness.
• Right now, another week of hard work in practice and film sessions awaits as does some soul searching. Next Up, Purdue travles to Auburn to take on a great team in the Auburn Tigers. The biggest non-con test for Purdue Basketball this season. Auburn is going to show Purdue everything that makes them good. It's up to The Boilermakers to be ready to play their best. Buckle up Boilermaker Nation!

Player of The Game - Braden Smith

Might be a bit of a loaded question, but with our guys that entered signing elsewhere and many other players around the country signing, where's our action?

I know people are probably hesitant since we have zero staff outside of a HC right now, but since Odom has been hired we've gotten a Freshman CB, S, QB (even though this one was kind of a gimme), TE, and a LB, but for a guy talking about not believing in a rebuild and he's gonna succeed right out of the gate, none of those seem like the immediate impact he's saying he's gonna have (unless his kid is the second coming of Drew Brees).

UNLV still has four days till their bowl game, so people could enter after that and come here, but we've talked about how many seniors were a part of that 1st and 2nd string (they have a RB and a K that wouldn't be awful to snag), so how many are realistically coming? What would the downside be in say 3rd and 4th string players that Odom may have been fond of going ahead and hopping in the portal knowing they likely won't play in the game?

The only other rumbling that's happened so far is another freshman in a DE that committed to UNLV is visiting here (didn't pay for the article so I'm not sure who), but where's everybody else?

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42971060/top-transfer-portal-safety-dillon-thieneman-commits-oregon