Braden Smith helps guide No. 2 Purdue to win at No. 8 Alabama

Braden Smith's impressive performance, scoring 21 of his 29 points in the second half, was crucial in No. 2 Purdue's 87-80 victory over No. 8 Alabama. This match reflects a broader trend in college basketball where top-ranked teams like Purdue and No. 9 Kentucky, which recently dominated Eastern Illinois, are showcasing strong player performances. Similarly, No. 14 Illinois also had a standout game with David Mirkovic achieving a 20-20 performance against Colgate. These results emphasize the competitive nature of the season and the rising stars in college basketball.