The Purdue Boilermakers showcased resilience on Thursday, defeating the Memphis Tigers 80-71 to secure a spot in the championship game of the Baha Mar Championship. Despite a lackluster performance from star guard Braden Smith, who missed 12 of his 14 shots, Purdue managed to turn a surprising deficit into a decisive victory. The Boilermakers executed a crucial 15-2 run in the final seven minutes after falling behind by three points, ultimately solidifying their lead.
Looking Ahead to the Championship
Purdue will face the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the championship match on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 21:30 ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and streamed on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App. As of Friday morning, Purdue is positioned as a 3.5-point favorite according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Boilermakers are currently ranked No. 2 in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 daily college basketball rankings, with the Arizona Wildcats holding the top position. Texas Tech, following their victory against Wake Forest, is ranked No. 15. In that game, JT Toppin shone with an impressive performance, contributing 21 points and nine rebounds.
A Clash of Talents
This matchup promises a thrilling showdown between two standout players: Braden Smith, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, and JT Toppin, the Big 12 Player of the Year. This anticipated game highlights the competitive spirit of college basketball and offers fans a chance to witness elite talent on the court.
Smith is also attracting attention for his pursuit of becoming the NCAA’s all-time assist leader. He currently averages 9.0 assists per game, with a total of 803 assists in his career. With Bobby Hurley‘s record of 1,076 assists in sight, Smith is on pace to break this milestone in approximately 31 games, which could occur during the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
As excitement builds for the Baha Mar Championship, the Boilermakers will look to channel their determination and skill to bring home a title against a formidable Texas Tech squad. Fans can expect an engaging contest that showcases the best of college basketball.
