ST. LOUIS (AP) — Purdue’s Braden Smith had an impressive night, scoring 26 points and becoming the NCAA Division I career assists leader with 1,077. His performance led the No. 2 seed Boilermakers to a commanding 104-71 victory over Queens University in the NCAA Tournament.
In this game, Purdue quickly took charge, featuring two strong runs of 10-0, including one right before halftime. The Boilermakers maintained a solid lead, keeping the score above 20 points for most of the second half.
Smith made history when he dished out his record-breaking assist early in the game. He set up a layup by teammate Trey Kaufman-Renn, showcasing his playmaking skills. “It hasn’t really set in yet. To me, it’s just my job,” Smith said, highlighting his commitment to helping his teammates succeed.
His shooting was also sharp—he hit 10 of 15 attempts and contributed eight assists overall. Coach Grant Leonard of Queens praised Smith, saying, “He’s a phenomenal player. You can see how under control he is.”
Purdue’s Kaufman-Renn was a vital contributor too, scoring 25 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Oscar Cluff added strong stats as well, with nine points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks.
Queens University finished their season on a high note despite the loss. The 1,500-student school made history as the smallest institution ever to participate in the NCAA Tournament. They earned their spot by winning the Atlantic Sun tournament, marking their first year of Division I eligibility. “This has been an unbelievable journey for us,” said player Nasir Mann, reflecting on their achievement.
Looking ahead, Purdue aims for Coach Matt Painter’s 500th victory in the upcoming round against No. 7 seed Miami. Despite past disappointments, including earlier exits as a high seed, they’re determined to keep advancing.
This tournament has seen some surprising outcomes, such as last year when No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s defeated Purdue as a No. 2 seed. Teams like Queens, while facing tough losses, have brought fresh excitement to March Madness, proving that underdog stories are still alive.
Overall, the game highlighted Purdue’s skill and the heart of a smaller program like Queens, reminding us all that passion and teamwork can shine through, regardless of the odds.
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