CBB: Purdue pulls away from Penn State, Michigan State

Purdue advanced to the Big Ten Tournament title game following consecutive wins over Penn State and Michigan State. Jaden Ivey finished with a team-high 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists for the Boilermakers in the quarterfinals on Friday night. Zach Edey compiled 15 points and five rebounds in the 69-61 win. Despite coming up short, Penn State competed as head coach Micah Shrewsberry faced his former team. Shrewsberry was an assistant under Matt Painter from 2019-2021 after spending time with the Boilermakers earlier in the decade as well. Purdue led 35-31 at halftime.

Purdue went on a 20-7 run to end the first half after a slow shooting start and Eric Hunter Jr. knocked down a 3-pointer to give the Boilermakers a double-digit lead with 8:11 left. Penn State cut the deficit to 62-61 but another run pushed Purdue to the semifinals. Brandon Newman had 12 points for the Boilermakers in his first game in over a month. Jalen Pickett had 16 points for Penn State, while John Harrar totaled 15 points and 12 rebounds. Ivey flashed next level speed and finishing ability in the win with a number of impressive plays including a hanging layup off the glass and a drive through two defenders.

The next day, Matt Painter's team moved past Michigan State 75-70 to secure a spot in the championship game. Trevion Williams, the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, came up huge against the Spartans with 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists off the bench. Ivey scored a game-high 22 points on 7/14 shooting from the field and Edey added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Hunter and Mason Gillis came up clutch again, hitting back to back triples to seal the win. Purdue will take on Iowa in the Big Ten title game tomorrow afternoon at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Photo Credit: USA Today.