UPDATE: In a thrilling matchup Saturday night, Braden Smith shattered the Big Ten’s career assists record, leading No. 5 Purdue to a commanding 89-73 victory over Wisconsin. Smith recorded 12 assists, bringing his career total to 893, surpassing the previous record held by Cassius Winston of Michigan State.
This milestone comes as Purdue continues its impressive run, now boasting a record of 13-1 and 3-0 in Big Ten play. Smith’s performance was electric, as he also contributed 14 points, helping his team secure a fifth consecutive win since a loss to No. 3 Iowa State on December 8, 2023.
Purdue’s fans erupted in cheers at the Kohl Center when Smith eclipsed Winston’s mark, chanting his name in celebration. This victory is particularly significant as it marks Wisconsin’s first home loss of the season, dropping them to 9-5 overall and 1-2 in the conference.
Fletcher Loyer led the scoring for Purdue with 20 points, while teammates C.J. Cox added 14 points, Oscar Cluff scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Trey Kaufman-Renn chipped in with 11 points. The Boilermakers dominated the game, leading by as many as 25 points in the second half.
Wisconsin fought hard to close the gap, narrowing the score to 84-73 with 3:22 remaining. However, Loyer’s clutch three-pointer dashed hopes for a comeback. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we executed our game plan,” said Loyer after the game.
Smith’s record-breaking performance solidifies his status as one of college basketball’s premier playmakers, averaging 9.6 assists per game this season. As Purdue looks ahead, their next challenge will be crucial as they aim to maintain their momentum in the highly competitive Big Ten.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Purdue continues to build on this success. With the season heating up, the implications of Smith’s achievement resonate far beyond just individual accolades, as it highlights Purdue’s formidable presence in the NCAA landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as this season unfolds, and share your thoughts on Smith’s historic night!
