Braden Smith puts on a show, again; Purdue basketball blitzes Northwestern

Posted by Admin January 5, 2025 Basketball

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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 Martinielli 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.

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, 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 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 last three games while playing 25 minutes.

3 stars

Braden Smith, Purdue: The junior point guard and former Indiana 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 consecutive game scoring 20 or more and the fourth time in the last six games.

CJ Cox, Purdue: Matt Painter started the freshman guard at Minnesota hoping to ignite his offense. Cox took just two shots and didn’t score but did provide defense and rebounding. Cox was a defensive standout on Sunday guarding Barnhizer and also had 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue: The redshirt junior continues to be a steady force on the block. Kaufman-Renn had 12 points on 6 of 10 shooting to go with 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.