BREAKING NEWS: Braden Smith has officially become the Big Ten’s all-time leader in career assists, leading No. 5 Purdue to an emphatic 89-73 victory over Wisconsin on December 30, 2023. Smith’s record-breaking total now stands at 893 assists, surpassing the previous mark of 890 set by Cassius Winston from Michigan State.
Smith delivered a stellar performance with 12 assists and 14 points, while teammate Fletcher Loyer contributed 20 points in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Kohl Center. Purdue fans erupted in chants of “Braden Smith!” and showered him with a standing ovation as he etched his name in history, solidifying his status as a basketball powerhouse.
The Boilermakers, now 13-1 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten, have been on a remarkable win streak, claiming victory in their last five games by an average margin of 26.6 points. This surge comes after a tough loss to No. 3 Iowa State on December 8, where Purdue fell 81-58 and dropped from the top ranking.
Despite a strong start from Wisconsin, which included making nine of their first twelve shots, Purdue took control of the game with an Omer Mayer three-pointer late in the first half. The Boilermakers established a commanding lead, reaching a maximum advantage of 25 points with just over eight minutes remaining.
Wisconsin’s Nick Boyd led the Badgers with 24 points, while Nolan Winter added 18 points and 10 rebounds. However, after cutting Purdue’s lead to 84-73 with just under four minutes left, Loyer quelled any hopes of a comeback with a decisive three-pointer.
This defeat marks Wisconsin’s first home loss of the season, putting the Badgers at 9-5 overall and 1-2 in Big Ten play.
As the basketball community celebrates this milestone, all eyes are on Purdue as they continue their journey in the Big Ten. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Smith and the Boilermakers will perform in their upcoming matches.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
