Purdue basketball vs. Auburn player ratings: Boilers blasted in Birmingham

Posted by author December 21, 2024 Basketball

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Purdue basketball’s fourth game against a ranked SEC opponent in the past five weeks fell apart quickly Saturday.

No. 2 Auburn rolled to a 87-69 rout of the Boilermakers in the Battle in Birmingham. The Tigers stifled Purdue defensively and, with star Johni Broome starting after his recent shoulder injury, pulled away from a 15-poiint halftime lead.

(*denotes Man of the Match)

STARTERS

∎ Braden Smith: 5/10

Spent too much of the night forcing up late shot-clock 3s while entangled in a stagnant offense. A lot rides on him due to his role. Not much help for him right now, though, and the other ballhandlers have not emerged with consistent play.

∎ Fletcher Loyer: 4/10

Seemed like all 12 of his field goal attempts were tough ones. Not really a comment on him — more a reflection of the lack of offensive rhythm all over the floor. Even the model of efficiency could not crack through Auburn’s defensive brick wall.

∎ Myles Colvin: 3/10

We may have officially swung too far in the “not playing through his shot” conversation. Against opponents such as Auburn, there’s no guarantee multiple fast-break opportunities will pop up for him to close out.

∎ Camden Heide: 5/10

Had some good looks from 3 that rimmed out. As with Colvin, the ability to thrive in transition with his athleticism is always there. Saturday, though, it never really showed up in half-court offense.

∎ Trey Kaufman-Renn: 6/10*

Obviously not trying to miss free throws, and not suffering from a lack of attention to the issue. But half of this offense runs through him and when he’s 1-of-7, like he was at half, it undercuts the entire offense’s efficiency. Still went for 15 points and eight rebounds, but with three turnovers.

RESERVES

∎ Raleigh Burgess: 3/10

First big off the bench for a quick stint. Chipped in five points late. The opportunity is clearly there to assert his way to a bigger role.

∎ C.J. Cox: 5/10

Too hesitant offensively early on — especially since his reputation as a shot-maker really appeared to be taking off at one point. Snuck in that corner 3 before half to cut the deficit to a slightly less embarrassing 15. Scored 16 points and made 3 of 5 from 3 and was 7-of-7 from the line.

∎ Caleb Furst: 4/10

Had one of the only baskets in the first 35 minutes which wasn’t scored by the three returning starters. Still needs to play with more authority.

∎ Gicarri Harris: 4/10

Probably needs to play more to help defensively, but isn’t helping much offensively.

∎ Will Berg: N/A

∎ Brian Waddell: N/A