Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Smith's Late Steal Lifts No. 5 Purdue Past USC 69-64

The win moved the Boilermakers to 17-1 and 7-0 in the Big Ten for a share of first place with Nebraska.

Overview

  • Braden Smith scored 22 points and clinched it with a midcourt steal and layup with 23 seconds remaining.
  • Oscar Cluff added 19 points and six rebounds, delivering five straight late while managing four fouls.
  • USC opened with a 16-0 burst to lead by 14 before Purdue closed the half on a 30-10 run to go up 38-32.
  • The Trojans shot 5-for-14 on free throws and still outrebounded Purdue 40-32, with coach Eric Musselman citing a limited roster.
  • Purdue recorded its ninth consecutive victory and the program’s 1,000th win since the 1980-81 era; the Boilermakers visit UCLA on Tuesday.