Late run carries Purdue basketball past Marquette
WEST LAFAYETTE – Purdue finally solved its Shaka Smart problem.
And did so thanks to freshman Braden Smith.
Last year's Indiana Mr. Basketball sparked the game-deciding run Tuesday night as the Boilermakers rallied to knock off Marquette 75-70 at Mackey Arena. Smart has posted wins against Purdue while at VCU and Texas for a 3-0 record.
Smith scored 14 of his 20 points in the second half as the Boilermakers overcame a nine-point deficit. Zach Edey also scored 14 points after halftime and finished with 20. David Jenkins came off the bench to score 10 points and played several minutes next to Smith in the backcourt.
The Golden Eagles missed 14 of 15 field goal attempts down the stretch, allowing Purdue to piece together a 17-2 run, including 12 straight points.
How it happened
The Golden Eagles controlled most of this game from the tip, even though the Boilermakers mounted a handful of runs. Marquette kept answering, whether it was Kam Jones or David Joplin. Jones had 16 first-half points as the Golden Eagles led 34-32 and Joplin answered Purdue’s second-half run with a pair of 3-pointers and totaled 15 points through the first nine minutes. Marquette led 53-46, using a 9-0 run as Joplin scored seven points. Edey scored the Boilermakers’ first eight points to open the second half, and Braden Smith’s 3-pointer pushed the advantage to 43-38. But that’s when the Golden Eagles regained control, using a 15-3 run to lead by seven. But Purdue answered with an 8-2 run, pulling with 60-57 with 7:10 to play on a 3-pointer by David Jenkins. But Smith kept attacking, bringing the Boilermakers back from a 62-59 deficit with six straight points with 4:18 to play. Edey's dunk extended the advantage to 71-62.
Why it happened
The Boilermakers were able to wrestle control of the game by challenging more 3-pointers and cleaning up the defensive rebounds. Smith overcame an early turnover to keep his composure and reached the second half with a chance to take over the game. The combination of Smith and Jenkins allowed Purdue to push the ball in transition. Caleb Furst's block of Kam Jones' 3-point attempt with the Boilermakers leading 63-62 with 4:29 to play was a key play.
What it means
The Boilermakers faced a stern test, similar to what they'll go against at the Phil Knight Legacy tournament in Portland, Oregon when West Virginia is the opponent.
Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier and USA Today Sports Network. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @carmin_jc
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue basketball vs. Marquette: Braden Smith, Zach Edey spark win
