UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers triumphed over the Akron Zips with a convincing score of 97-79 on November 12, 2023, marking the 500th career win for head coach Matt Painter. This significant milestone highlights Painter’s remarkable journey, with 475 wins at Purdue and 25 wins at Southern Illinois.
Purdue showcased their dominance early, fueled by standout performances from Trey Kaufman-Renn, who scored 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, and Oscar Cluff, contributing 14 points. The Boilermakers (4-0) demonstrated their rebounding prowess, outclassing Akron with a staggering 45-26 advantage on the boards, including an impressive 19 offensive rebounds.
As the game unfolded, Purdue established a strong presence in the paint, leading to a commanding 46-18 edge in points down low. The team shot effectively in the first half, hitting 53% from the field and sinking 8 of 12 from beyond the arc, resulting in a 52-39 halftime lead.
The scoring was bolstered by Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, who each added 16 points to the scoreboard, while Smith also led the team with 10 assists. Despite a tough shooting night from the field, where he went 4-of-12, Smith’s playmaking was crucial.
The Zips (3-1) were led by Tavari Johnson, who netted 20 points, but struggled to contain Purdue’s offensive onslaught. Notably, Shammah Scott, averaging 14.3 points per game, was limited to just 9 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Purdue’s victory comes as they prepare for their next challenge against Memphis on Thursday in the Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, while Akron gets set to face Iona on Friday in the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
This milestone win not only solidifies Matt Painter’s legacy at Purdue but also energizes the team as they aim for a successful season ahead. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Boilermakers build on this momentum in upcoming games.
