Purdue University triumphed over the University of Memphis with a score of 80-71 on March 14, 2024, securing a place in the championship game of the Baha Mar Championship. Despite a challenging performance from guard Braden Smith, who made only two of his 14 shot attempts, the Boilermakers rallied in the final minutes, turning a three-point deficit into a comfortable lead.
The game took a dramatic turn when Memphis briefly took the lead late in the second half. Purdue responded with a decisive 15-2 run in the last seven minutes, showcasing their resilience and strategic prowess. Head coach Matt Painter expressed satisfaction with his team’s ability to adapt under pressure, despite not playing at their best.
Upcoming Championship Matchup
Purdue will now face Texas Tech in the championship game, scheduled for March 15 at 21:30 ET. The match will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and streamed on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App. The Boilermakers enter the game as 3.5-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Texas Tech advanced to the final after a strong performance against Wake Forest, where JT Toppin scored 21 points and secured nine rebounds. The upcoming matchup promises to be a highlight of the weekend, featuring two outstanding players: Smith, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, and Toppin, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year.
Braden Smith’s Historic Pursuit
As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on Braden Smith, who is also on track to become the NCAA’s all-time assist leader. He currently averages 9.0 assists per game, having recorded 11 assists against Memphis. With a total of 803 career assists, Smith is 273 assists away from breaking the record held by Bobby Hurley, who achieved 1,076 assists during his time at Duke University.
If Smith continues at his current pace, he could surpass Hurley’s record in approximately 31 more games, potentially achieving this feat during the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The pressure and excitement surrounding his performance add another layer of intrigue to the championship match against Texas Tech.
As Purdue prepares for this critical game, the focus will be on both the team’s ability to execute under pressure and Smith’s pursuit of history. Fans and analysts will undoubtedly be watching closely as the Boilermakers aim for victory in the Baha Mar Championship.
