While the gap has closed since the start of Big Ten Conference play, No. 4 Purdue has continued its winning ways heading into a game against UCLA on Tuesday at Los Angeles.
The Boilermakers (17-1, 7-0) are riding high on a nine-game winning streak. While its average scoring margin has been plus-17.0 points this season, Purdue has earned its last three victories by single digits.
The most recent of those wins for the Boilermakers was a 69-64 victory to start their Los Angeles visit at Southern California on Saturday. Purdue trailed by 14 points midway through the first half against the Trojans and was down 60-57 with 3:23 remaining before closing the game on a 12-4 run.
“Give our guys credit. We had some things go against us and had some guys in foul trouble,” Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter said. “You have to learn to play through (it). You have to be above it and learn to concentrate on what you can control. I think at times that was difficult for our guys.”
The victory tied the program record for best 18-game start, done three other times, including in the 2022-23 season. A victory over the Bruins on Tuesday would set the record for longest winning streak in program history.
Braden Smith scored 22 points and had five assists while overcoming six turnovers. He also made a key steal with 26 seconds remaining and converted a layup for a 65-62 lead to help hold off the Trojans.
Oscar Cluff, who collected 19 points and six rebounds, is eight points away from reaching 1,000 in his college career.
UCLA (12-6, 4-3) just completed a stretch with four of five Big Ten games on the road. The Bruins went 2-3 on the run and return home following an 86-74 loss at Ohio State, a game in which their highly regarded defense was bullied by the stronger Buckeyes.
Tyler Bilodeau recorded 30 points and eight rebounds in the loss for UCLA, one game after Trent Perry scored 30 points in a victory at Penn State. Donovan Dent added 13 points and seven assists Saturday as the Bruins shot 40.3%, while the Buckeyes shot 52.8%.
On the season, UCLA is holding opponents to 42.5% from the floor.
“Highly disappointed in getting our a– kicked physically and our inability to play defense,” UCLA head coach Mick Cronin said after Ohio State had 12 offensive rebounds off their 25 missed shots. “I offer no excuses. Blame me.”
Cronin then proceeded to blame his players saying, “In my opinion, we didn’t have anybody interested in rising to that challenge.” It was in reference to the defense against Ohio State’s John Mobley Jr. (28 points) and Bruce Thornton (21 points).
On offense, Cronin was satisfied with the team’s output but he has always valued the defensive side more.
“We scored 74 points on the road in the Big Ten,” Cronin said. “You should have a big-time shot to win. Our defense is an embarrassment. Last couple of games it was great. (Against Ohio State), couldn’t guard ’em.”
UCLA has been without Skyy Clark for the past four games because of a hamstring injury. Clark has averaged 13.5 points and is shooting 48.6% from 3-point range in 14 games (13 starts).
–Field Level Media
