This game wrap is sponsored by our friends at Section 103. They just launched their new Purdue collection in time for March Madness. They’ve got high quality shirts and hats with some different designs you won’t see elsewhere. I’m thinking especially about the Mackey Arena shirt and the World’s Largest Drum shirt. They’ll also be giving fans the chance to vote on their next piece of gear. Check them out and use code HAMMERANDRAILS to get 10% off your first order. Thanks to Section 103, a founder-led
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The Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a decisive 82-74 beatdown to the Purdue Boilermakers in Columbus. Purdue drops to 22-7 overall and 12-6 in the Big 1o. Ohio State picks up a key win for its NCAA tournament resume, improving to 18-11 overall and 10-8 in the Big 10. The Buckeyes were led by their backcourt, with John Mobley Jr. going for 21 and Bruce Thornton putting up a 20-spot. Braden Smith had 20 in the losing effort, with half of those points coming in the last five minutes of the game after the chances of a comeback were slim. Trey Kaufmann-Renn tried to drag the Boilermakers through the second half but battled foul trouble and couldn’t consistently convert around the rim or from the foul line.
The tape is out on the Boilermakers. Ohio State came out and physically dominated Purdue and did just that from the opening tip to the final whistle. They relentlessly attacked the basket on offense and played a physical brand of basketball in the paint that Purdue couldn’t match. Trey did his best to bring energy and a physical style of play to the otherwise passive Boilermakers, but too often found himself flailing around the court while his teammates made sad faces at the refs. Purdue’s center combination of Oscar Cluff and Daniel Jacobsen provided 2 points and 6 rebounds. Cluff was consistently a step low, and the Buckeyes took turns trying to dunk on Jacobsen.
Purdue’s shooting kept them in the game in the first half, but it never felt like the Boilermakers had a handle on the game.
The second half was a microcosm of the entire season.
Purdue lost the rebounding battle 36 to 29, with the Buckeyes getting multiple opportunities at the basket when the Boilermakers attempted to play Jack Benter at the four for long stretches in the second half. Jack put up a solid effort but couldn’t do much against the bigger, more physical Buckeye players. Ohio State’s Devin Royal, in particular, feasted on Purdue’s small lineup by simply being stronger and meaner.
Ohio State stretched out the lead to start the second half, and by the time Purdue realized they were in a game, the game was over. They made a few halfhearted attempts at a comeback, but personally, I wasn’t buying it, and neither was Ohio State. Any time it looked like the Boilermakers might threaten, the Buckeyes found a way to get to the basket or the free-throw line and stop the momentum.
In the end, the tougher team won. That’s been the story of Purdue’s losses this season. I’m not sure anything more needs to be said.
