Braden Smith had a forgettable second half and a memorable night.
Purdue basketball’s sophomore point guard had 16 assists, the second most in a single game in school history, as the No. 2 Boilermakers (20-2) defeated Northwestern 105-96 in overtime at Mackey Arena.
Northwestern was hot from beyond the arc, hitting 8 of 13 in the first half. At one point, the Wildcats led 25-21 thanks to their quick start.
Purdue answered with a 17-2 run, scoring six consecutive field goals in the process.
The Boilermakers led 47-39 at halftime, but that advantage quickly evaporated, thanks in part to Purdue’s free throw woes, as the team went 29 of 46.
Northwestern and Purdue counterpunched throughout much of the second half.
Boo Buie had a chance to win in regulation for Northwestern, but he drove left and missed a runner off the front rim.
Purdue avenged their overtime defeat at Northwestern earlier this season.
Smith’s last pass led to Fletcher Loyer’s 3-pointer, bringing the game to an end. Loyer scored with 38.3 seconds remaining in overtime, his only points since scoring 12 in the first half. This gave the Boilermakers a 96-90 advantage.
Northwestern responded, but missed a late shot, prompting Wildcats coach Chris Collins to come onto the floor and engage in a furious argument with referees.
Mason Gillis scored three technical foul throws to secure Purdue’s sixth consecutive victory.
Zach Edey Watch
Northwestern’s help defense has given Zach Edey fits.
However, in early December, Purdue’s 7-foot-4 center scored 35 points in an overtime defeat at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Edey battled in the first half to get his offense going and was terrible from the free throw line. However, Edey went 2-for-2 with 3:11 remaining in overtime, ending 8 of 17 from the line.
Edey had back-to-back plays when he broke loose for a slam in overtime, which sent Purdue ahead. Edey ended with 30 points and 15 rebounds while playing an incredible 41:30 minutes.
Four stars.
Lance Jones, Purdue: Jones had maybe his worst game as a Boilermaker against Northwestern. Jones scored 12 points in the first half this time around, giving Purdue a halftime lead. He’d scored two massive threes on consecutive possessions late in the second half, the first tying the game at 66 and the second putting Purdue up 69–68. Jones ended with 26 points.
Braden Smith, Purdue: Smith played a fairly forgettable second half. In the first half, the sophomore point guard had eight points and nine assists. The Boilermakers needed every bit of it. Smith had complete control of the game throughout overtime. Four of his 16 assists came in overtime, and he made a driving layup to put Purdue up by six with 1:44 left, ending with 11 points and just two turnovers.
Ty Berry, Northwestern: Berry was the driving force behind Northwestern’s hot run. The senior guard nailed 4 of 5 three-pointers in the first half, completing 6 of 9 with 25 points.
Boo Buie, Northwestern: Buie has been a Purdue killer over the last two seasons. The super senior did it again at Mackey Arena. Buie scored 25 points, hitting 7 of 11 three-pointers.
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