Purdue point guard Braden Smith struggled offensively in Thursday’s game against Memphis, scoring just five points on 2-of-14 shooting. Despite Smith’s off night, the Boilermakers defeated the Tigers 80-71 in the 2025 Baha Mar Championship semifinals at Baha Mar Convention Center in Nassau, Bahamas.
During the game, Boilermakers coach Matt Painter noticed Smith was frustrated by his missed shots and offered a message for the playmaker to remember in similar situations.
What Did Matt Painter Say to Braden Smith During His Bad Performance Against Memphis?
The Purdue bench tactician elaborated the message he sent to his senior point guard in a postgame press conference, saying that he needed to deliver encouragement to Smith, as his frustration was rising after his foul-baiting expedition led to no calls and missed shots.
Painter said his primary playmaker tried to make the defense pay by forcing contact with floaters and tough runners. Smith slashed to the paint, but those attempts failed to go down, causing him to be off on his offense.
“I think there was a frustration level there and that affected him a little bit,” Painter said. “And for all the success in the games that he’s been in and especially the position that he plays, he can’t let that affect him.”
The coach noted several instances where Smith forced the situation against Memphis, expecting the referees to give him the benefit of the doubt. However, the officials kept their whistles in their chest pockets and let physical plays dictate the game’s outcome.
Despite Smith’s poor offensive showing, he contributed three rebounds, 11 assists, and two steals. His playmaking ability was crucial, as he distributed the ball efficiently and created scoring opportunities for teammates. Smith’s effort helped the Boilermakers win and advance to the mini-tournament finale against No. 15 Texas Tech, which narrowly defeated Wake Forest 84-83 in the other matchup that day.
MORE: Purdue’s Braden Smith Shares Unexpected Omer Mayer DM That Left a Lasting Impression
Painter credited Memphis’ defense and physicality for limiting his top playmaker. Their pressure forced Smith to shift his approach and focus on distributing the ball.
“I thought Memphis did a good job of pounding him and getting after him and he’s seen it all. So that wasn’t anything different for him. Like he like he’s seen it all,” he said.
Others Provide Primary Offensive Production for Purdue Amid Braden Smith’s Off-Night
Smith’s off-night was filled up by the trio of Fletcher Loyer, C.J. Cox and Trey Kaufman-Renn. Loyer led Purdue’s offense with 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Cox contributed 18 points, making 7 of 10 shots from the field, highlighted by a sizzling 4-of-7 clip from downtown. Kaufman-Renn came up with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out.
Oscar Cluff was also effective with 11 points and seven rebounds. He was perfect from the field, making all three of his attempts, and was spotless from the free-throw line in five tries. Bench players Daniel Jacobsen, Omer Mayer, and Jack Benter combined for 14 points to help Purdue improve to 5-0.
Dug McDaniel led Memphis (1-3) Â with 18 points while Zach Davis added 11 for the Penny Hardaway-coached team, who will next meet Wake Forest in the Baha Mar Championship’s battle for third place on Friday.
