URGENT UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown last night, the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers dominated Akron with a score of 97-79, marking the 500th career victory for head coach Matt Painter. This milestone highlights Painter’s exceptional coaching legacy, with 475 wins accumulated at Purdue and 25 wins at Southern Illinois.
Just hours ago, Purdue showcased their strength with standout performances from Trey Kaufman-Renn, who scored 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, and Oscar Cluff, adding 14 points. The Boilermakers demonstrated their dominance on the boards with a staggering 45-26 rebounding advantage, including 19 offensive rebounds, leading to a significant 46-18 edge in points in the paint.
The victory solidifies Purdue’s perfect season as they improve to 4-0. Despite a challenging shooting night from beyond the arc, hitting just 1 of 11 in the second half, the Boilermakers maintained control throughout the game.
Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer each contributed 16 points, while Omer Mayer added 14 points, underscoring the depth and talent of this Purdue squad. The team shot 53% in the first half, establishing a halftime lead of 52-39.
“This win is a testament to our hard work and dedication,” said Painter after the game.
On the losing side, Tavari Johnson led the Zips with 20 points, but Shammah Scott, who averages 14.3 points per game, was held to just 9 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Looking ahead, Purdue prepares for a crucial match against Memphis on November 16, 2023, in the Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas. Meanwhile, Akron will face Iona on November 17, 2023, in the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
This historic victory not only cements Matt Painter’s remarkable career but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season for Purdue basketball. Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses!
