Purdue Basketball Secures Fifth Consecutive Win with a 68-60 Victory over Rutgers

January 28, 2024

Piscataway, New Jersey: No. 2 Purdue Basketball continued their impressive winning streak, securing their fifth consecutive victory with a 68-60 triumph over Rutgers at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The Boilermakers, led by Zach Edey’s dominant performance, maintained their dominance in the Big Ten conference.

Zach Edey’s Milestone Achievement

Zach Edey, Purdue’s towering center, etched his name into the program’s history books by surpassing the 2,000-point mark in his career. His outstanding performance against Rutgers, where he tallied 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots, highlighted his exceptional talent. Edey’s consistent contributions have been instrumental in Purdue’s success this season.

Braden Smith’s Supporting Role

Braden Smith, Purdue’s dynamic guard, provided valuable support to Edey’s heroics. Smith contributed 19 points and 6 rebounds, demonstrating his all-around abilities. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates proved crucial in securing the victory.

Lance Jones’ Defensive Prowess

While Lance Jones’ scoring output was limited to 4 points, his impact on the game extended far beyond the offensive end. Jones recorded an impressive 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals, showcasing his defensive prowess and ability to disrupt Rutgers’ offensive rhythm.

Team Statistics and Key Moments

Purdue’s shooting efficiency was evident in their 22-of-45 field goal attempts, while Rutgers struggled to find their rhythm, shooting 24-of-64 from the field. The Boilermakers’ dominance on the boards was evident, as they outrebounded Rutgers 31-30.

The first half concluded with Purdue holding a comfortable 33-20 lead. Rutgers attempted a comeback in the second half, reducing the deficit to a single possession. However, Purdue’s resilience and timely baskets, including a crucial 3-pointer by Fletcher Loyer, sealed the victory for the Boilermakers.

Upcoming Matchup: Purdue vs. Northwestern

Purdue will return to Mackey Arena on Wednesday to host Northwestern, a team that defeated them earlier in the season. The Boilermakers will be determined to avenge their loss and maintain their position at the top of the Big Ten standings.

Additional Purdue Basketball News

• Inside Look: A behind-the-scenes glimpse into the experience of sitting behind Zach Edey during a Purdue basketball game.
• Player Ratings: Two Purdue guards receive perfect marks for their outstanding performances in the blowout victory.

Game Information

• Date: Sunday, January 28, 2024
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Venue: Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, New Jersey
• TV: Fox, with Tim Brando (play-by-play) and LaPhonso Ellis (analysis)
• Radio: Purdue Sports Network (96.5 FM in Lafayette, 1260 AM in Indianapolis), with Rob Blackman (play-by-play) and Bobby Riddell (analysis).
• Streaming: SiriusXM Channels 195 and 957, Varsity Network, ESPN+, Fubo, Paramount+, Sling

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