UPDATE: In a thrilling matchup, the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers triumphed over the Akron Zips with a resounding score of 97-79 on October 29, 2023. This victory marks the 500th career win for head coach Matt Painter, a significant milestone that solidifies his legacy in college basketball.
With a standout performance, Trey Kaufman-Renn led the Boilermakers with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Oscar Cluff contributed 14 points. The Boilermakers showcased their dominance on the boards, out-rebounding the Zips 45-26 and scoring an impressive 46-18 in points in the paint.
The game unfolded with an intense start, as Purdue struggled initially, but Fletcher Loyer quickly found his rhythm, scoring 16 points overall. Braden Smith also added 16 points and recorded a team-high 10 assists, despite facing a challenging shooting night.
Purdue surged to a commanding 52-39 halftime lead, capitalizing on their shooting efficiency, hitting 8 of 12 from beyond the arc in the first half. However, they faced difficulties in the second half, making just 1 of 11 from three-point territory.
The Zips, now 3-1 for the season, were led by Tavari Johnson with 20 points, while Shammah Scott, averaging 14.3 points, was held to just 9 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Purdue, now boasting a record of 4-0, is set to face Memphis on Thursday in the prestigious Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas. Meanwhile, Akron will look to bounce back against Iona on Friday as part of the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
This landmark victory not only highlights Purdue’s strong start to the season but also elevates Matt Painter’s status among coaching elites. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Purdue aims to build on this momentum in upcoming matchups.
Stay tuned for further updates as both teams continue their journeys in the season.
