IU Basketball Triumphs Over Purdue: Five Key Takeaways
Indiana University men’s basketball achieved an important victory over a ranked opponent, defeating Purdue 72-67 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. This significant win marks the first against a ranked team for head coach Darian DeVries. Below are five key takeaways from the game.
Nick Dorn Emerges as a Star
With Tayton Conerway sidelined by injury, Nick Dorn stepped into the starting lineup. He shone brightly, scoring 18 points in 32 minutes, following up a previous game where he scored a season-high 23 points. Dorn’s shooting was particularly impressive, hitting 6-of-11 from the field and 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. His overall performance earned him the KenPom Game MVP title.
Strength in the Paint
Despite facing taller opponents like Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff, Indiana held its ground in the painted area. The Boilermakers had a slight advantage in points in the paint at 24-18, but Indiana displayed resilience. Purdue’s Kaufman-Renn scored a game-high 23 points, while Cluff and Daniel Jacobsen struggled offensively.
- Second-chance points: Purdue 11, Indiana 10
- Rebounds leader for Indiana: Tucker DeVries with 10 rebounds
Conor Enright’s Impact
Senior Conor Enright played a critical role, logging 40 minutes without committing a foul. He effectively defended Purdue’s Braden Smith, limiting him to 14 points while contributing eight assists offensively. Enright’s pivotal 3-pointer with just over a minute left bolstered Indiana’s lead.
Perimeter Shooting Continues to Impress
Indiana demonstrated strong perimeter shooting, which is essential for their competitive edge in the Big Ten. The team began the game hot, going 8-for-20 from three-point range in the first half. Despite shooting 4-for-13 in the second half, steady contributions ensured a winning total of 12-for-33 for the game.
The Role of Home Crowd
The support from the Assembly Hall crowd was palpable and significant. Their enthusiasm provided an advantage, particularly during Purdue’s late-game surge. Head coach Darian DeVries acknowledged the crowd’s influence, crediting them for energizing the team throughout the match. This victory is crucial for Indiana’s postseason aspirations, as they work towards securing a spot in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2023.
