Cluff’s Dominant Second Half Lifts Purdue Over Marquette
On a blustery Saturday in Indiana, a player hailing from the Sunshine Coast delivered a performance to be etched in memory. Oscar Cluff, Purdue basketball’s imposing 6-foot-11 transfer center, transformed into an unstoppable force in the second half, leading the No. 6 Boilermakers to a commanding 79-59 victory over Marquette at the iconic Mackey Arena.
The pivotal moment of the game, and arguably Cluff’s breakout performance in a Purdue uniform, occurred in a dazzling 3-minute and 42-second stretch after halftime. During this remarkable period, Cluff single-handedly ignited the Boilermaker offense, scoring 13 consecutive points. This offensive onslaught not only showcased his individual skill but also provided a crucial momentum swing that Purdue never relinquished.
Cluff’s efficiency was nothing short of spectacular throughout the contest. He demonstrated near-perfect shooting, connecting on all nine of his field goal attempts and converting all four of his free throws. This flawless execution from the field underscored his impact on both ends of the court.
By the end of the game, Cluff had amassed an impressive 22 points and 11 rebounds, securing his fourth double-double of the season. His arrival at Purdue from South Dakota State has been a significant addition for the Boilermakers, who now boast a formidable 10-1 record. His presence in the paint provides a much-needed defensive anchor and a reliable scoring option, as evidenced by his stellar outing against Marquette.
The victory over Marquette, a respected program, further solidifies Purdue’s position as a top contender in collegiate basketball. The Boilermakers displayed a balanced attack, but it was Cluff’s explosive second-half performance that truly set them apart. His ability to consistently score in the paint and control the boards highlights his growing importance to the team’s success.
Beyond his individual statistics, Cluff’s impact was felt in his leadership and presence. His physicality and determination in battling for rebounds and challenging shots were evident, inspiring his teammates and demoralizing the opposition. The synergy he has developed with his new team is rapidly becoming a key factor in their winning formula.
Purdue basketball turning point vs. Marquette
Marquette managed to stay within an arm’s length for most of the first half despite getting outplayed and outmuscled.
That changed during a media timeout with 3:46 to go before halftime. At the time, a 3 by Royce Parham had just cut Purdue’s lead to 28-19.
In a span of 1:07, Braden Smith made a pullup jumper, stole the ball on Marquette’s ensuing possession and dished to Gicarri Harris for a layup, followed by Oscar Cluff scoring in the post then blocking Marquette on the opposite end.
Fletcher Loyer’s 3 made it a 9-0 run before Marquette’s last second shot at the end of the half off Ben Gold’s rebound putback. At halftime, Purdue was out front by a comfortable 37-21 score.
How many assists did Braden Smith have vs. Marquette?
Braden Smith had 10 assists against Marquette, giving him 101 this season and 859 in his career.
Smith needs 31 assists to tie former Michigan State guard Cassius Winston’s Big Ten record of 890 in a career.
Smith needs 217 assists to tie former Duke guard Bobby Hurley’s NCAA record of 1,076.
3 stars for Purdue basketball vs. Marquette
Oscar Cluff: Purdue’s Australian center no longer looks like an out-of-place transfer trying to fit in. Again, Cluff was dominant on the boards and added offensive firepower Marquette couldn’t answer. He also had two blocks, two steals and an assist in addition to his 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Fletcher Loyer: The stats don’t jump off the page, but Loyer entered Saturday’s game as Purdue’s leading scorer this season. He’ll remain Purdue’s leading scorer going into next Saturday’s game against Auburn after scoring 15 points against Marquette.
Trey Kaufman-Renn: The fifth-year senior wasn’t scoring early, but was dominant on the glass. Kaufman-Renn had six rebounds before scoring a single point. He finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Oscar Cluff’s unreal performance leads Purdue basketball vs Marquette
Purdue’s coaching staff has clearly found a gem in Cluff, and his development within the program is a testament to their player development strategies. His journey from South Dakota State to becoming a vital contributor for a top-ranked team like Purdue is a compelling narrative in itself. As the season progresses, Cluff’s continued growth and his ability to consistently deliver impactful performances will be closely watched by fans and opponents alike. His ability to score efficiently, rebound tenaciously, and assert his presence in the low post makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. The Boilermakers appear to have found a crucial piece of their championship puzzle in the towering center from Down Under. His seamless integration into the team’s offensive and defensive schemes speaks volumes about his basketball IQ and his commitment to contributing to team success. The snowy Indiana weather did little to dampen the spirits of the Purdue faithful, who witnessed a star emerge on their home court.