What an impressive game by both teams. First, credit to UCLA for hanging in despite missing their two best players. They took every shot Purdue tried to land and were still tied 62-62 with just under 4 minutes left.
Then it was Oscar Cluff time.
Cluff is now responsible for this win and the one in Lincoln with his rebounding and toughness. The 11-4 closing kick was almost all him rebounding and scoring.
Now Purdue is in the Big Ten Championship game with a chance to win some hardware. It looks like it is playing it’s best basketball at the right time, too.
Some thoughts:
- Braden will now almost certainly get the all time assists record. He needs 12 to tie and 13 to get it with at least two games left. Purdue will be a big favorite in its first round game too.
- Cluff might might be the MVP of the tournament so far.
- Cluff and TKR with the double double-double, which is pretty much an automatic win ball fur us.
- How about the bench! Daniel Javobsen had two really big baskets. Harris hit a clutch three. Benter’s three at the halftime buzzer was huge. Mayer continues to do well.
- Fletcher Loyer is also playing like a tourney MVP.
- Tomorrow’s game with Michigan is house money. The Wolverines are rightfully favored. Purdue is almost certainly a 3 seed (maybe a 2?). It is the preseason No. 1 vs. The best team in the country all season. Should be fun.
Matt Painter
Purdue Players
Purdue Press Conference
UCLA Press Conference
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