BLOOMINGTON — The Indiana Hoosiers delivered a statement victory over their long-time rivals, the No. 14-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, winning 73-58 on Sunday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Indiana, now 16-11 overall and 7-9 in the Big Ten, significantly improved their chances for an NCAA tournament bid with this win, which was characterized by resilient second-half play and solid defensive execution.
Trailing by 12 points at halftime, Indiana’s second half showcased their determination as they outscored Purdue 48-21, shooting 66.7% from the field. The surge comprised an incredible 28-3 run over the first eight minutes of the half, completely dismantling Purdue's momentum and firmly establishing Indiana's dominance.
Previous to this game, Indiana had struggled, losing six of their last seven, which included their first matchup against Purdue this season. But where they faltered before, they excelled on Sunday. The resurgence began swiftly, with the Hoosiers tying the game at 39 just minutes after the second half started. During this offensive barrage, Malik Reneau scored seven of his game-high 15 points, helping propel the team forward.
Reneau, who reached the 1,000-point milestone during the game, completed the day with perfect shooting—7 for 7 from the field. His teammate, Trey Galloway, also had 15 points and displayed exceptional playmaking with nine assists, showcasing the depth and talent of Indiana’s roster.
“The guys were locked in defensively, and we executed our game plan,” Galloway commented postgame, referring to their remarkable second-half performance.
Purdue, who started strong but unraveled significantly, took the lead with key three-pointers late in the first half and ended the half leading 37-25. It was during these moments the Boilermakers appeared to have command; they transformed initial struggles, driven by hot shooting from the field, particularly at the arc. Fletcher Loyer starred for them early on, contributing to their lead with several big shots.
But as the second half began, the script flipped. Indiana's defense tightened, forcing Purdue to hold the ball longer than preferred, leading to multiple turnovers. Purdue’s starting center, Trey Kaufman-Renn, was particularly stymied and fouled out late in the game, exemplifying the struggles of the Boilermakers' output against the spirited Hoosiers.
Purdue’s coach, Matt Painter, attempted to halt Indiana’s momentum with three timeouts, but the Hoosiers maintained their explosive pace, and Indiana’s lead never dipped below 10 points once they established it.
“This was the best stretch of basketball we’ve played this season, perhaps even longer,” Hoosiers head coach Mike Woodson stated, reflecting on his team’s tenacity. “To come back like the way we did against such tough rivals is significant for us.”
The loss marked Purdue’s fourth consecutive defeat within the Big Ten, tying their longest conference losing streak since the 2019-20 season. Their leading scorer and notable players, including Braden Smith and Kaufman-Renn, combined for only 17 points on just 6-of-19 shooting, which starkly contrasts their typical output and raised concerns about the team's performance as March approaches.
This game not only shook up the Big Ten standings but also breathed new life and hope for Indiana's aspirations this season. It was their first victory against Purdue since February 2023, making it sweeter for the team and fans alike.
Following this win, the Hoosiers look to build on their momentum as they prepare for their next match against Penn State this Wednesday. The challenge now will be for Indiana to sustain this level of play against remaining opponents, especially as they approach the postseason.
This matchup demonstrated the fierce rivalry between Indiana and Purdue, known for its intensity and passion, but Sunday’s outcome was all about the Hoosiers taking charge when it mattered most.