Purdue Basketball Uses Second Half Surge to Overcome Hot Shooting Hawkeyes 79-72

In a thrilling matchup, Purdue basketball's senior point guard Braden Smith turned the game around against Iowa after a scoreless first half, showcasing his skills and determination in the second half to lead his team to victory.

Purdue basketball secured a hard-fought victory against Iowa, winning 79-72, as they overcame a strong performance from the Hawkeyes, led by first-year coach Ben McCollum and standout guard Bennett Stirtz. The game showcased Purdue's resilience, particularly in the second half where they surged ahead to clinch the win.

Purdue basketball secured a crucial victory against Iowa, overcoming a strong challenge from the Hawkeyes, who were seeking their first signature win under new coach Ben McCollum. The game showcased Purdue's resilience, particularly in the second half, where they managed to maintain their lead and ultimately win 79-72.

Kade Pieper, an All-American redshirt sophomore offensive lineman, has announced his decision to return to Iowa for the 2026 football season after a successful 2025 campaign that concluded with a victory over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl. This decision is significant for the Hawkeyes as Pieper is a key component of their offensive line, contributing to their overall performance.

USC freshman Alijah Arenas, a highly regarded five-star recruit, has been ruled out for the upcoming matchups against Maryland and Purdue, delaying his anticipated debut this week. This decision comes as a disappointment for the team and fans who were looking forward to his return.