
Purdue survives Indiana with beautiful game-winner from Trey Kaufman-Renn
Purdue and Indiana met on Friday night to renew their bitter in-state rivalry series. And after a couple of blowout victories for Purdue last season, things took on a much tighter feeling this time around.
In spite of playing at home, Purdue came out surprisingly flat at times in the first half. Indiana carried a 41-37 lead into halftime, and that lead even came with the Hoosiers committing 10 turnovers before the break.
The difference came with Indiana out-hustling Purdue on the glass with a 19-12 edge in rebounding in the first half. The Hoosiers also out-shot the Boilermakers from 3-point range, 31% to 17%.
Once the 2nd half got rolling, Purdue was quick to answer back with Trey Kaufman-Renn scoring 7 straight points to open the half. However, the momentum Purdue gained could not be maintained.
In the end, Kaufmann-Renn would step up late to play the hero for Purdue. His turnaround hook shot in the lane with less than 30 seconds to play gave the Boilermakers a lead they would not relinquish in the 81-76 win:
TREY KAUFMAN-RENN FOR PURDUE!!!! WHAT A SHOT! @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/X6uprqHXKk
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 1, 2025
Mackenzie Mgbako shined for the Hoosiers in this one with a well-rounded effort. He led the way with 25 points while hitting a trio of 3-pointers to go with 5 rebounds and a block. Oumar Ballo also chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds down low.
Mackenzie Mgbako called it from the corner 🎯 ‼️ @MackenzieMgbako x @IndianaMBB pic.twitter.com/nebk2yjMGV
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 1, 2025
As for Purdue, Braden Smith delivered 24 points and 7 assists, in spite of going without a bucket from 3-point range. Kaufman-Renn ended with 23 points on a brutally efficient 10-for-13 shooting effort, including his eventual game-winner.
The 3-point line is what proved to be a key stat in this one that allowed Indiana to keep things close. The Hoosiers shot above their season average while hitting 7-for-19 (37%) from deep.
Meanwhile, Purdue entered Friday’s game shooting at a 38.4% clip from deep but finished with a stagnant 2-for-13 (15%) effort vs. IU. It didn’t hamper the Boilermakers in this one, but they’ll need to rebound against tougher competition.