MILWAUKEE — After an impressive run of nearly four years, Purdue basketball’s consecutive victories in regular season non-conference games came to an end on Tuesday night. The 14th-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles delivered a decisive performance, defeating the sixth-ranked Boilermakers 76-58 at Fiserv Forum, breaking Purdue’s remarkable streak of 39 non-conference wins that had begun in December 2020.
Marquette showcased an intense defensive strategy that effectively curtailed Purdue’s normally prolific offense, which had been averaging 85.3 points per game. Senior guard Kam Jones led the Golden Eagles with his versatile play, contributing to both offensive and defensive efforts throughout the game.
The turning point for Purdue came during a critical moment in the second half. Trailing by just five points, the Boilermakers had two opportunities to close the gap, but a crucial steal by David Joplin thwarted one chance, and CJ Cox missed a mid-range jumper on the subsequent possession. Marquette capitalized on the momentum, as Stevie Mitchell added four consecutive free throws, extending the lead to nine, making it difficult for Purdue to come back with only ten minutes left on the clock.
Turnovers were another significant issue for Purdue, as they struggled against Marquette’s robust defense. After managing just three turnovers in their previous game against Alabama, the Boilermakers regressed, committing nine turnovers by halftime. Marquette effectively transformed these mistakes into scoring opportunities, amassing 10 points off of Purdue’s errors. Head coach Matt Painter has emphasized the importance of keeping turnovers under ten to maintain competitive standards.
Highlight performances included Kam Jones for Marquette, who despite a muted scoring first half, tallied a triple-double with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. For Purdue, Fletcher Loyer continued his scoring streak, netting 13 points, while Stevie Mitchell shone for the Golden Eagles with a game-high 21 points as well as four steals.
Despite the setback, Purdue still has opportunities to regroup and build on their strengths in future games. The experience could serve as a necessary wake-up call to improve their execution and adapt their game strategy against formidable opponents.
In summary, while Purdue’s impressive streak has been halted, the team’s ability to learn from this experience could pave the way for future successes as they refocus on both improving their defensive stability and minimizing turnovers.