UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown on November 12, 2023, the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers delivered a commanding 97-79 victory over the Akron Zips, marking the 500th career win for head coach Matt Painter. This landmark achievement solidifies Painter’s legacy as one of college basketball’s premier coaches.
Purdue showcased their dominance early, with Trey Kaufman-Renn leading the charge with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Oscar Cluff contributed 14 points. The Boilermakers (4-0) displayed a remarkable rebounding performance, outpacing Akron (3-1) with a staggering 45-26 edge on the boards, including 19 offensive rebounds. This decisive control in the paint translated to a lopsided 46-18 advantage in points scored there.
The game unfolded at West Lafayette, Indiana, where Purdue established a 52-39 lead by halftime, thanks in part to their exceptional shooting from beyond the arc, making 8 of 12 three-pointers in the first half. However, the Boilermakers faltered in the second half, struggling from three-point range and converting only 1 of 11 attempts.
In a nail-biting start, Fletcher Loyer ignited the team with 16 points, while Braden Smith also contributed 16 points and a team-high 10 assists. Despite Smith’s off shooting night, the team rallied around him, turning the momentum in their favor after a 3-pointer from Omer Mayer that put Purdue ahead for good at 12:20 left in the first half.
The Zips were led by Tavari Johnson, who scored 20 points, but struggled to keep pace with the Boilermakers. Notably, Shammah Scott, who averaged 14.3 points per game, was held to only 9 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
With this victory, Matt Painter joins an elite group of coaches with 500 career wins, a feat that highlights his dedication and expertise in the sport. The Boilermakers are now set to face Memphis on Thursday in the Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, while Akron will take on Iona in the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Fans and sports enthusiasts alike are celebrating this milestone, making this a significant moment in college basketball history. Stay tuned for more updates as both teams continue their journeys in the upcoming tournaments.
