WEST LAFAYETTE — Indiana men’s basketball came into Mackey Arena on Saturday night fresh off its second road win of the season and looking to achieve a signature win against No. 2 Purdue. Instead, the Boilermakers crushed the Hoosiers for the second time this season to sweep the series in a 79-59 result.
Sixth-year senior guard Xavier Johnson missed his third consecutive game with an elbow injury. Indiana retained its same starting lineup with freshman guard Gabe Cupps in his place despite fan desire for senior guard Anthony Leal to enter the lineup.
Junior center Zach Edey and sophomore guard Braden Smith were the Hoosiers’ primary antagonists. Edey finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Smith produced 19 points — 15 within the first half and nine rebounds.
Indiana challenged Purdue in the first 12 minutes of the game before a 15-1 Boilermaker run across seven minutes broke the game open. The Hoosiers missed eight straight shots and committed five turnovers amidst the drought.
A quick spurt by senior guard Trey Galloway to end the first frame put Indiana’s deficit at 12 points, but Purdue responded out of halftime. A 10-0 run increased the Boilermakers’ lead to 22 and dispelled any chance of an Indiana comeback.
Just like in the first matchup, foul trouble plagued Indiana. Sophomore center Kel’el Ware sat out the last six minutes of the first half after picking up two fouls, which gave the 7-foot-4 Edey a clear height advantage.
Sophomore forward Malik Reneau committed three fouls within the first three minutes of the second half to put him at four infractions. He was benched until just under 10 minutes remained before fouling out two minutes later.
As it has been most of the season, the 3-point line was a detriment to the Hoosiers. They shot 0-for-5 from deep in the first half before finishing the game with a 4-for-16 clip.
The loss gives Indiana a 14-10 record and 6-7 mark in conference play. Next up for the Hoosiers is a 3 p.m. slate against Northwestern on Feb. 18 in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The game will be broadcast on FS1.
Follow reporters Will Foley (@foles24) and Matt Press (@MattPress23) and columnist Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) for updates throughout the Indiana men’s basketball season.
