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Purdue Boilermakers Outshine Penn State Nittany Lions with Braden Smith's Stellar Performance

The Purdue Boilermakers, now holding a 5-1 record, triumphed over the Penn State Nittany Lions, who stand at 4-2. The game concluded with a score of 93-85 in favor of Purdue. This matchup was held at Mackey Arena and witnessed an attendance of 14,876 fans.


Jan 10, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA;  Penn State Nittany Lions forward Mason Blackwood (1) fights for a rebound against Purdue Boilermakers center Oscar Cluff (45) during the first half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

First Half


The first half saw the Boilers taking an early lead with a score of 45-44. Braden Smith was instrumental in this period, contributing significantly to Purdue's offensive strategy with his remarkable shooting accuracy and playmaking skills. His performance set the tone for the rest of the game as he racked up points and assists that kept PSU on their toes.


Second Half


In the second half, Purdue extended their lead by scoring another 48 points against PSU's 41. Oscar Cluff made his presence felt in the paint by securing rebounds and adding crucial points to maintain momentum for Purdue. The team's ability to capitalize on fast breaks and turnovers proved decisive as they outperformed PSU in these areas.


Jan 10, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Jack Benter (14) jumps for a rebound during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Game Highlights


A pivotal moment came when Fletcher Loyer hit back-to-back three-pointers that widened Purdue’s lead significantly during a critical phase of the match. This sequence was part of what could be described as one of several game-changing plays between these two teams.


The Nittany Lions fought valiantly but were unable to overcome Purdue’s efficient ball movement and defensive prowess throughout both halves. Despite their efforts, including notable contributions from bench players who added depth to their scoring lineup, they fell short against a well-coordinated Boilermaker squad.


Jan 10, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Sasa Ciani (22) shoots then all over thePurdue Boilermakers guard Jack Benter (14) during the first half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

As we look forward to more exciting games this season, mark your calendars for January 14th when Purdue will host Iowa Hawkeyes at Mackey Arena at 6:30 PM EST on BTN network. Be sure not to miss it!


For those who enjoyed reading about this intense matchup between two formidable teams or want more insights into college basketball action like this one—share this article!

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