Purdue’s recent struggles continued as they faced Indiana, losing 72-67 in a tough matchup at Assembly Hall. After starting the season strong at 17-1, this marks their third consecutive defeat.
In the first half, Purdue couldn’t keep up defensively. Indiana scored eight three-pointers, including three from Tucker Devries. The Boilermakers also struggled on the boards, finishing with two fewer rebounds, and their turnovers—seven compared to Indiana’s four—didn’t help. They headed to the locker room down 40-29, appearing disorganized and outmatched.
The second half started similarly, with Indiana maintaining its lead. In a bid to regain control, Purdue adjusted its lineup, moving Trey Kaufman-Renn to center and spacing the floor with Jack Benter at forward. This tweak sparked some momentum, narrowing the gap to 65-60 thanks to a three-pointer from Benter and free throws by Kaufman-Renn.
With under three minutes left, Purdue fought hard, cutting the lead to two points. A defensive play by CJ Cox led to a fast break layup by Braden Smith, making it 65-63. But another defensive misstep allowed Indiana’s Conor Enright to hit a critical three-pointer, pushing the lead back to five.
Purdue’s efforts included a late score from Kaufman-Renn and a missed opportunity on the free-throw line by Indiana, keeping hopes alive. Nevertheless, Enright cemented Indiana’s victory with two successful free throws, sealing Purdue’s fate.
This defeat raises concerns. Purdue’s defense has been inconsistent, allowing too many open shots. According to recent stats, teams that can rebound and control turnovers often win—both aspects where Purdue faltered here.
Historically, teams perform better when they make defensive adjustments in high-pressure scenarios. Purdue will need to find their rhythm again if they want to turn this season around. As they regroup, fans will be watching closely to see if they can bounce back in their next challenge.
For more insights on team performance and college basketball stats, check out NCAA’s official website for a deeper dive into the analytics behind these games.
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