Purdue’s Season Ends in Disappointment Against Arizona
In San Jose, California, the Purdue Boilermakers’ aspirations of closing Braden Smith’s college journey with a Final Four appearance in their home state were dashed by Arizona on Saturday night. A 79-64 defeat marked the end of the road for Smith and his fellow four-year seniors, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer, falling just short of reaching Indianapolis.
Despite a college career filled with achievements, including 117 victories and a trip to the 2024 title game, the Boilermakers found Arizona’s challenge insurmountable. Braden Smith, who set the NCAA career record for assists, expressed a mix of frustration and nostalgia post-game. Speaking about the camaraderie among teammates, Smith shared, “There are so many moments in our four years that have been so special… you’re with a group of dudes who enjoyed being around each other.”
The game saw Smith struggling after the initial stages, managing only one basket in the final 35 minutes as Arizona’s size advantage became evident. Trey Kaufman-Renn, a key player in the Sweet 16 victory over Texas, was hindered by foul trouble, scoring just 10 points, while Fletcher Loyer added only eight, including three in the closing moments when the game was already decided.
The trio’s combined effort resulted in 31 points, with a shooting percentage of just 31.8%—their lowest of the season. Purdue, recognized as having the most efficient offense according to KenPom, faced one of its toughest tests, leading to their second-fewest points and second-worst shooting performance of the season, hitting only 38.1% of their shots.
Braden Smith reflected on Arizona’s prowess, acknowledging their defensive strength, ranking third nationally, and their rebounding capabilities. “They’re obviously very talented… We would make a couple of plays, get a couple of blocks and then got it right back and were able to score,” Smith noted.
Purdue’s promising first half ended with a 38-31 lead, fueled by Smith’s three successful shots, including two from beyond the arc, and an 8-0 run. However, the second half saw Purdue’s shooting plummet to 32.1%, compounded by Smith’s ankle injury, Kaufman-Renn’s early fouls, and Loyer’s late scoring.
Coach Matt Painter praised the seniors’ contributions, stating, “Really proud of these three guys sitting right here and everything they’ve done for our program. Really set a standard of how to go about their business.” Their tenure included the most wins in school history, consecutive Big Ten championships, and tournament titles, setting a high bar for future teams.
For more coverage on March Madness, visit the AP March Madness hub.
