After Purdue’s 90-81 victory over Iowa, coach Matt Painter shared his thoughts with reporters. Here’s a breakdown of his comments:
On Purdue’s strong start in the second half:
Painter attributed the team’s offensive improvement to better execution. He noted that Iowa’s defense in the first half, especially their aggressive traps, gave Purdue trouble, but they made adjustments in the second half that helped them find better rhythm. Purdue made good decisions, worked the ball around, and capitalized on opportunities like step-in threes and transition plays. Painter felt fortunate to be tied at halftime, which gave them a solid chance to adjust and take control later.
On Caleb Furst’s energy:
Painter praised Furst for his effort and impact on the game, particularly in terms of second-chance points and playing in transition. He highlighted that Furst’s energy, especially in the second half, was key, even though missed free throws kept his night from being even bigger.
On Braden Smith’s late first-half shot:
Painter noted that Smith’s shot just before halftime was critical in keeping Purdue in the game, especially since the team wasn’t playing its best. The shot provided a boost, helping Purdue build momentum for a strong second-half start.
On Braden Smith stepping up when Trey Kaufman-Renn was on the bench:
With Kaufman-Renn in foul trouble, Painter emphasized that Smith took on a bigger scoring role. He encouraged Smith to drive more and make plays, which helped Purdue. Painter praised Smith for his adaptability and leadership, noting that when he’s able to score, it’s a big boost for the team.
On Braden Smith’s leadership style:
Painter described Smith as the ultimate point guard, leading through his competitive nature and willingness to battle. While Smith isn’t typically a high scorer, his leadership by example and ability to step up when needed makes him invaluable.
On offensive balance late in the game:
Painter discussed how Purdue adjusted when Iowa doubled the ball on screens. He emphasized the importance of moving the ball quickly to create 3-on-2 or 2-on-1 opportunities, which allowed them to find open shots or attack close-outs. Purdue’s ability to execute in these situations was key to their success.
On Trey Kaufman-Renn’s foul trouble:
Painter acknowledged that Kaufman-Renn’s foul issues have been a problem, stressing the need for him to play smarter to avoid fouls. He emphasized that Purdue isn’t as effective without Kaufman-Renn on the floor, particularly in the low post.
On Kaufman-Renn’s passing ability:
Painter pointed out that Kaufman-Renn’s ability to pass, especially when teams committed to defending him, opened up opportunities for others. He highlighted a few key assists Kaufman-Renn made during the game, noting how his passing has improved.
On Purdue’s defensive struggles against Iowa:
Painter discussed how Iowa’s movement off the ball, particularly by Payton Sandfort and Josh Dix, caused problems for Purdue’s defense. He pointed out missed assignments on backdoor cuts and emphasized the need for better focus. Painter also mentioned how Iowa’s ability to hit tough shots, combined with Purdue’s fouls, kept them in the game.
On the absence of Owen Freeman:
Painter explained that Freeman’s absence hurt Purdue’s ability to deal with post play, as Freeman excels at both driving and playing in the post. He also noted Freeman’s ability to impact transition and rebounding, which the team missed during this game.
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