UPDATE: Purdue’s head coach Matt Painter has just celebrated a monumental milestone, achieving his 500th career win with a decisive 97-79 victory over the Akron Zips on November 12, 2023, in West Lafayette, Indiana. This victory solidifies Painter’s legacy, with 475 wins recorded at Purdue and 25 at Southern Illinois.
In a thrilling matchup, freshman Trey Kaufman-Renn led the Boilermakers with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Oscar Cluff added 14 points to secure Purdue’s undefeated record at 4-0. The team displayed an impressive performance, dominating the boards with a 45-26 rebounding advantage, including 19 offensive rebounds.
Purdue’s offensive prowess was evident as they outscored Akron 46-18 in points in the paint, showcasing their physicality and teamwork. Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer contributed significantly, each scoring 16 points, while Smith also recorded a team-high 10 assists, despite facing challenges with his shooting.
The game shifted in Purdue’s favor early on, with Loyer scoring 11 of the team’s first 15 points. With the score tied at 17-17, Omer Mayer ignited the Boilermakers’ momentum, sinking a crucial three-pointer to give Purdue the lead for good. Mayer’s impactful play included nine points off the bench during the first half, helping the team secure a 52-39 halftime lead.
Despite a rough shooting performance from beyond the arc in the second half, where Purdue managed only 1 of 11 attempts, their strong start ensured they never relinquished their advantage. The Zips’ Tavari Johnson led his team with 20 points, but Akron struggled against Purdue’s defense, especially as Shammah Scott was limited to just nine points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Looking ahead, the Boilermakers will face off against Memphis on Thursday in the Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, while the Zips are set to compete against Iona on Friday in the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
This victory not only marks a significant achievement for Painter but also highlights Purdue’s strong start to the season, making them a team to watch as the season progresses. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this momentum will carry into their upcoming games.
