Braden Smith flashes his Big Ten POY credentials in Purdue blowout win over Northwestern

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WEST LAFAYETTE — Braden Smith continued to remind the Big Ten how good he is.

Purdue basketball also gave Northwestern a reminder that its foundation is built on defense.

The Boilermakers harassed high-scoring Wildcats duo Nick Martinelli and Brooks Barnhizer, holding two players each averaging 20.1 points per game to a combined 1-of-10 with seven turnovers in the first half. The duo finished 6-of-23 from the field.

Purdue vs. Northwestern player ratings: Braden Smith unstoppable in blowout

Without the offensive punch, No. 22 Purdue pummeled visiting Northwestern 79-61 at Mackey Arena for its 25th consecutive home victory, a streak that dates back to February 2023.

The Wildcats’ previous season low was 66 points.

Purdue basketball turning point

The Boilermakers, behind their aggressive point guard Braden Smith, came out hot, scoring the game’s first seven points.

Northwestern’s comeback attempt didn’t last long. The Wildcats got within three, but Smith and the Boilermakers had too much firepower.

Purdue ended the first half on a 19-4 run and led 41-18. Smith (17) nearly outscored Northwestern by himself.

Caleb Furst again provides boost

Caleb Furst had two dunks during his second consecutive start and continues to make Purdue the best version of itself.

After a plus-minus of 28 last week against Toledo, Furst played 30 minutes against Minnesota on Thursday.

Facing Northwestern, Furst used his length to disrupt Martinelli and added five points, six rebounds and a steal. Furst, at plus-22, led the team in plus-minus for the second time in the past three games while playing 25 minutes.

3 stars

Braden Smith, Purdue: The junior point guard and former IndyStar Mr. Basketball is starting to do things statistically that put him in rarified air. He again flirted with becoming just the second Boilermaker to record a triple-double. Smith left the game with 4:32 to go having compiled a line of 22 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds, most of that coming in the first half. It’s Smith’s third…

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Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2025-01-05 21:25:00

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