Purdue Secures Another Big Ten Title With Stunning Victory!
Braden Smith's game changed with a jersey swap, and the Boilermakers took control to avenge a brutal regular-season loss to Michigan. Here's what stood out:
CHICAGO — Purdue men's basketball came to the Big Ten Tournament looking for consistency and momentum, and left with a championship. The 7-seed Boilermakers beat 1-seed Michigan 80-72 at United Center. Big games from Oscar Cluff and Braden Smith gave Purdue its second Big Ten Tournament championship in four years.
Here's what I liked and disliked, and what the Boilers' win means. What I liked in Purdue basketball's win vs Michigan in 2026 Big Ten Tournament championship game Smith turned in nothing short of an epic performance while leading Purdue’s surge out of halftime. He recorded four points and five assists without a turnover during a 20-8 advantage to begin the second half.
In addition to his pocket pass exchanges with Trey Kaufman-Renn, his shots began falling for the first time all week. Smith said after the UCLA win he felt more comfortable handling the ball than he had in weeks. If the 35 assists he piled up in the first three games weren’t enough indication, he added 11 on Sunday.
That left him one shy of tying Bobby Hurley for the all-time record. A tear in his usual No. 3 jersey during the first half forced Smith to don No.
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