Purdue is back atop the Big Ten standings with a month remaining in the regular season and a crucial 3-game stretch on tap. However, the Boilermakers were not caught looking ahead on Friday night.

Facing USC at home, Purdue dialed up an impressive wire-to-wire win in dominating the Trojans, 90-72. It was far from a flawless performance, but there was more than enough firepower at home for the Boilermakers.

Trey Kaufman-Renn led Purdue with 24 points and 10 rebounds, including 7 offensive rebounds for an impressive double-double. Braden Smith was limited to 9 points but he also dished out 13 assists and recorded 5 steals in the win.

Overall, Purdue shot 50% from the floor, a mark made more important and impressive by the fact the Boilermakers shot just 23.1% (6-for-26) from 3-point range.

For USC, Wesley Yates III led the Trojans with 30 points on 11-for-22 shooting. Unfortunately, they shot just 4-for-26 (15.4%) from 3-point range, including an abysmal 2-for-17 from the starting lineup.

Impact moving forward

With the win, the Boilermakers moved to 11-2 in conference play, holding onto their 1-game lead in the B1G. Purdue is still the favorite to win a 3rd straight league title, but the next 3 games will go a long way in determining that outcome.

Matt Painter’s group will play at Michigan on Tuesday to jumpstart a 3-game stretch against ranked opponents. Home vs. Wisconsin (Feb. 15) and back on the road at Michigan State (Feb. 18).

Outside of those 3 games, only the regular season finale vs. Illinois will be against a team currently ranked in the AP Poll. After winning 11 of the last 12 games, Purdue’s title hopes could hinge on the next 3 games.