Matt Painter and Purdue bounced back from a 23-point loss to Iowa State by routing Minnesota 85-57 in a Big Ten game on Thursday at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Boilermakers used a decisive 29-2 run early in the second half to turn a narrow 35-32 halftime lead into an overwhelming 64-34 advantage, effectively putting the game out of reach for Minnesota.
This surge led to Purdue’s ninth win in 10 games. Painter discussed how this second-half run secured a statement victory for the Boilermakers, improving their record to 2-0 in the Big Ten Conference and setting a strong tone for the remainder of their season.
Matt Painter Speaks About Purdue’s Second-Half Surge Against Minnesota
Painter discussed the team’s victory postgame with Big Ten college basketball analyst Andy Katz. The veteran coach talked about the halftime chat it had with the team when they were ahead by three points. He pointed out that they have to step up in offense and take advantage of open opportunities.
“Just we have to be better offensively. We had a lot of opportunities offensively at the ball inside we have nothing out of it missed free throws. We have four or five shots we should have taken,” Painter said.
On the defensive side, the 55-year-old coach told his players to clamp down on Minnesota’s shooters, particularly Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who had his way in the first half.
“We want to eliminate that as we could, not let them have their back cuts and just be in the stands, pressure the ball and just be better,” he said.
Purdue’s defense limited Minnesota to 25 points in the second half while scoring 50 points to come up with a dominant win, its ninth in 10 games and a perfect bounce-back from a 23-point loss to Iowa State on Saturday.
Painter Praises Braden Smith’s Awesome Performance in Win Over Minnesota
Painter discussed Purdue point guard Braden Smith’s efficient play in the win over Minnesota. Smith had 15 points, six rebounds, 12 assists, five steals, and two blocks to help break down the Golden Gophers.
The Purdue coach admired his performance, placing an emphasis on his ball anticipation and play disruption, saying that Smith has active hands and anticipates how the next play will unfold.
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“He was great. Just active hands,” Painter said. “The one time he was getting his hands up on a ball screen. He catches the basketball. He’s great in anticipation.”
The coach is also aware of the team getting overzealous in each game. He makes it a point to remind them to follow the strategy, and the rest will take care of itself.
Aside from Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff also delivered for the Boilermakers, notching double-doubles to take home their ninth win. Kaufman-Renn finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Cluff added 14 points and 11 rebounds. 7’4″ big man Daniel Jacobsen was also a revelation, coming up with 11 points, five rebounds, and four blocks.
Purdue limited Minnesota to 36% from the field, including 24% from the 3-point line. They also dominated the rebounding department, grabbing 46 boards while holding the Golden Gophers to 23 rebounds. The Boilermakers had greater steals (6-3) and blocks (6-1) numbers to seal the victory.
