Purdue Boilermakers Kick Off Season Tuesday Against Evansville
The Purdue Boilermakers are set to kick off their basketball season against Evansville on Tuesday, marking the commencement of their 128th season. This year, Purdue boasts an impressive all-time record of 1,953 wins and 1,092 losses, ranking 10th in NCAA history for total victories.
Purdue’s Dominance in Season Openers
Purdue has historically excelled in season openers, holding a remarkable 106-21 record, which translates to an 83.5% winning rate. The Boilermakers will take to the court at Mackey Arena for only their 11th game while being ranked No. 1 in the nation. They have a home record of 9-1 in such games, with their only loss occurring against Rutgers on January 2, 2023.
Recent Exhibition Game Highlights
- Purdue recently triumphed over UIndy, securing their fourth consecutive win in home exhibition games.
- The Boilermakers outscored their opponents by an average of 48.3 points per game in these victories.
- During the exhibition, Purdue set a school record with 15 made three-pointers, contributed by eight different players.
Key Players and Records
Fletcher Loyer has made a significant impact in his season openers, averaging 16.7 points over three games, with a shooting accuracy of 52.2% from beyond the arc. He needs just three more three-pointers to reach a career milestone of 200 made shots.
Braden Smith stands out as a key player for Purdue. He set a school record with 15 assists in last year’s season opener and is eight assists away from moving into third place on the Big Ten’s all-time assists list.
Coach Matt Painter’s Record
Under Coach Matt Painter, Purdue has a remarkable record of 31 wins against in-state teams at Mackey Arena. The Boilermakers have won 33 consecutive games against non-conference teams from Indiana since 2001. Furthermore, they maintain a streak of 32 straight non-conference home victories, marking the longest stretch in school history.
National Ranking and Nominations
Purdue has held the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll for a total of 14 weeks since the 2021-22 season, the most in the nation. Four Purdue players were nominated for position awards by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, showcasing the depth of talent on the roster.
Braden Smith has also been named the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year, with Trey Kaufman-Renn joining him on the first team. Smith is a notable player within Big Ten history, being the only athlete to achieve 1,350 points, 750 assists, 500 rebounds, and 175 steals throughout his career.
Sellout Streak and Attendance
Purdue’s popularity is evident as the university has already sold out its ticket allotment for the season. By March 7, when they face Wisconsin, the sellout streak at Mackey Arena is expected to reach 106 games, with 89 consecutive sellouts since January 15, 2019.
With excitement building for the upcoming season, the Boilermakers look to build on their storied basketball legacy against Evansville.
