Purdue Dominates Marquette as Braden Smith Reaches 1,500‑Point Milestone

Purdue’s victory over Marquette on Saturday was a showcase of both individual brilliance and team dominance. Braden Smith’s 10 assists and Oscar Cluff’s flawless shooting combined to secure a 79‑59 win for the No. 6 Boilermakers.

Oscar Cluff Goes 9‑for‑9

Oscar Cluff finished the game with a season‑high 22 points, shooting every one of his nine attempts. He also grabbed 11 rebounds, giving him a double‑double for the second straight game. Cluff’s perfect shooting percentage was a key factor in Purdue’s offensive efficiency. His performance helped the team maintain a lead that never slipped below 20 points.

Braden Smith Reaches the 1,500‑Point Club

In just 12 seconds, Smith found Fletcher Loyer for a three‑pointer, putting him in the elite group of Division I players with 1,500 points, 850 assists, and 550 rebounds. D.J. Cooper was the first to reach that milestone during his time at Ohio from 2009‑13. Smith’s career totals after the game were 1,515 points, 859 assists, and 759 rebounds. He also added seven points and five rebounds in the same contest.

Purdue’s Early Lead and Dominant Run

The Boilermakers opened the game with a 12‑0 run that pushed their lead to 21‑8 midway through the first half. They extended that advantage with nine straight points, creating a 37‑19 edge before the break. In the second half, Cluff scored 13 consecutive points, which pushed the score to 53‑29. The team’s offensive output remained high throughout, with no Marquette points in several stretches.

Marquette’s Struggles on the Court

Marquette, now 5‑6 overall, fell behind by 20 points for the second straight Saturday. Royce Parham led the Golden Eagles with 19 points, while Chase Ross added 10. The team’s shooting was limited to 8 % from the field, and they missed 23 of 31 three‑point attempts. The loss marked the second consecutive defeat for Marquette in a 20‑point margin.

Looking Ahead

Marquette will open Big East play by hosting Georgetown on Wednesday. Purdue has a week‑long break before welcoming No. 21 Auburn to Indianapolis next Saturday. Both teams will use the upcoming games to refine their strategies after this matchup.

Key Takeaways

• Braden Smith’s 10‑assist performance propelled Purdue to a 79‑59 win.
• Oscar Cluff’s 22 points on 9‑for‑9 shooting set a season high.
• Purdue’s 12‑0 opening run established an early 21‑8 lead that never wavered.

The Boilermakers’ victory underscores their resilience after a recent 23‑point loss to Iowa State, while Marquette’s struggles highlight the need for improved shooting efficiency.