Purdue basketball player ratings vs. USC: Bench was average, which was good enough

Posted by author February 8, 2025 Basketball

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WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue men’s basketball once again showed it can overwhelm Big Ten opponents at home with a 90-72 victory over USC.

Trey Kaufman-Renn was the lone Boilermaker among several contenders to achieve his double-double.

Here are player ratings from another home rout:

STARTERS

◼ Braden Smith: 8 /10

Went the opposite extreme of Tuesday night at Iowa and piled up nine of his 13 assists in the first half. What has pushed him beyond simply being the most valuable player in the Big Ten to something more are the steals. His five game him four or more in five of the last seven games.

◼ C.J. Cox: 7/10

Fared better against Wesley Yates III in the second half — aided somewhat by the USC freshman picking up a fourth foul. His hit rate on open 3s has to be among the best on the team. It’s going to open up his full offensive game even more over time.

◼ Fletcher Loyer: 7/10

Tonight he was the starter whose first half was interrupted by a second foul. Before that, though, had a hand in the early surge and hit some second-half 3s to keep extending the lead.

◼ Caleb Furst: 7/10

Barely missed a double-double for the second straight game with nine points and 10 rebounds. Was a big part of a decisive rebounding edge. The efficiency around the rim comes and goes. Only hope for Boilers is it’s there for the next game not decided by double digits.

◼ Trey Kaufman-Renn: 9/10

So automatic inside right now that teammates passed up some pretty open 3s to give him the ball in the post again. Wrapped up his double-double with plenty of time to spare and finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

RESERVES

◼ Raleigh Burgess: 6/10

For arguably the first time — or certainly the first time in a while — provided some low-post scoring punch when Kaufman-Renn took a breather. Looked downright comfortable out there. Banking progress for the future.

◼ Myles Colvin: 6/10

Mackey crowd groaned when it appeared another 3 would rim out, then roared when it fell back through. Provided some energy when a pre-halftime lull could have set in.

◼ Gicarri Harris: 6/10

One of several who couldn’t slow Yates much in the first half. Offset that somewhat by being productive offensively in transition.

◼ Camden Heide: 4/10

Used up a few fouls trying to slow down Yates. Did not really help address that problem in the first half.

◼ Brian Waddell: 2/10

Played out the final few minutes, earning a trip to the free throw line in the process

◼ Will Berg: 2/10

Made a late appearance when the game was long decided.