Purdue's high-powered offense was on full display as they dismantled Maryland 93-63 at the XFINITY Center. Fletcher Loyer stole the show, pouring in 29 points to lead the Boilermakers to a convincing victory. The win was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a Purdue win by 11.6 points, but the Boilermakers far exceeded that margin, ultimately winning by 30.
The game was essentially over by halftime, with Purdue holding a commanding 49-28 lead. The Boilermakers' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Loyer and Braden Smith combining for 28 points in the first half. Maryland, on the other hand, struggled to find any rhythm, with their top scorer, Andre Mills, managing just 8 points before the break. Mills would finish with 18 points and 6 rebounds, but it was not enough to stem the tide of Purdue's onslaught.
In the second half, Purdue continued to pour it on, with Loyer and Smith leading the charge. The Boilermakers' defense was also impressive, holding Maryland to just 35 points in the final 20 minutes. Darius Adams and Solomon Washington provided some spark for the Terrapins, scoring 17 and 14 points, respectively, but it was too little, too late.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The 30-point margin of victory was a reflection of Purdue's dominance, and it marked a significant win for the Boilermakers' resume. As a Quadrant 1 win for Maryland, this game was an opportunity for the Terrapins to make a statement, but instead, it was Purdue who made the most of the occasion. For the Boilermakers, this win falls into Quadrant 3, but it still strengthens their overall profile, particularly given their already impressive NET ranking of 10.
Purdue's performance will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they head into the final stretch of the season. With their high-powered offense and stingy defense, the Boilermakers are looking like a legitimate contender for a deep tournament run. As for Maryland, this loss drops them to 8-13 on the season, and their NET ranking of 160 makes their tournament chances increasingly slim.
The convincing nature of Purdue's win will only add to their already impressive resume, and it solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the country. With their sights set on a conference title and a high seed in the tournament, the Boilermakers want to build on this momentum and continue their winning ways. This result will undoubtedly be a significant factor in Purdue's tournament chances, and it cements their status as a team to watch in the coming weeks.