Texas A&M defeats Purdue basketball in top 25 contest

On December 15, 2024By Littum

INDIANAPOLIS — Texas A&M’s defense put on a master class against a Purdue basketball team that has had its way in recent years at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Boilermakers came out cold from the outside and had no hint of an inside game, watching passing lanes disappear and seeing their center swarmed for more than 30 minutes.

Despite a spark from the shooting of Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith, the No. 18 Aggies Trey Kaufman-Renn from doing his injury as the Boilers fell 70-66, ending a four-game winning streak at Gainbridge since losing to Iowa in the 2022 Big Ten Championship game.

The Boilers did respectably at the end, but Loyer was shut out in the second half after starting 5-for-5. Kaufman-Renn scored 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting, and Braden Smith’s 15 points, six rebounds and six assists were overshadowed by six turnovers and just three second-half points.

Purdue struggled to take care of the basketball and rebound, but only trailed 38-35 at halftime.

The Boilermakers (8-3) used a 9-0 run over a 1:34 span early in the second half to regain the lead. That outbreak was short-lived.

Purdue basketball turning point

The 9-0 run gave Purdue a 44-43 lead. The turnover woes then crept back in, plaguing an inconsistent and discombobulated Boilermaker offense.

Texas A&M counterpunched with a 19-6 run that scored 10 straight points.

By the time Trey Kaufman-Renn scored with 4:26 left, the Boilermakers had gone seven minutes without a point.

Solomon Washington’s free throw with 6.9 seconds left ended Purdue’s late surge.

Common thread in Purdue loss

Purdue’s three losses came on the road at Marquette on Nov. 19 and at Penn State on Dec. 5. In those two games, the Boilermakers combined for 39 turnovers.

After another 16 turnovers on Saturday, Purdue is averaging 18.3 turnovers in its three losses.

3 stars

Pharrel Payne, Texas A&M: As of Saturday afternoon, Payne was averaging 6.3 points and 4.1 rebounds. The reserve forward had season highs of 16 points and 9 rebounds.

Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M: Taylor, the Aggies’ best player, finished with 15 points and 5 assists. His 3-pointer that put Texas A&M up 62-50 felt like the dagger that sent Purdue home with a loss.

Zhuric Phelps, Texas A&M: Purdue’s last ditch effort got the Boilers within six late. Phelps then beat his man off the dribble, scored and was fouled. Phelps collected 16 points and 4 assists.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.