WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The very first pass of the game was stolen and, if we’re being honest, the tone was set then and there. For the first time all season, the first time in the Dusty May era, Michigan was uncompetitive. The Wolverines did not look at all ready for Purdue’s defensive intensity early, digging themselves a deep, dark hole and never coming close to digging out at a raucous Mackey Arena on Friday night.
Final: Purdue 91, Michigan 64
Record: 14-5 (6-2)
MVP: Nimari Burnett
Unsung hero: Will Tschetter
Arch nemesis: Braden Smith
Top highlight: Not tonight
Michigan’s previous four losses were by a combined eight points. Even against an 11th-ranked Purdue team coming off a rare home loss, the lopsided score was stunning. Michigan, ranked No. 21, trailed by at least 21 for the final 29 minutes.
If you’re looking for a positive, the Wolverines didn’t throw in the towel at halftime. They only lost the second half by two points. But they were doomed by their start, and had no answer for Purdue point guard Braden Smith.
Michigan’s Tre Donaldson threw a casual pass on the opening possession that was stolen and taken the other way for a layup, and he got stripped twice more before May called timeout with 16:32 left and Michigan down 13-2. Donaldson finished with six of Michigan’s 22 turnovers. Purdue had just six.
Michigan found some offense but had six turnovers and trailed 25-9 seven minutes in. Purdue started 11 for 14 from the field.
It was 29-9 when May, in frustration, called for a second timeout with 11:17 left in the half. It didn’t help. Purdue’s lead swelled to 44-15.
The Wolverines scored the next six but couldn’t make a meaningful dent in the deficit as Purdue’s second fast-break alley-oop dunk took the Mackey crowd from boisterous to bonkers. It was 51-26 at half.
Smith, the Big Ten’s leader in assists in steals, tallied 24 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, and four steals on Friday.
Purdue shot 55 percent from the field. Fletcher Loyer (five made 3s) and Trey Kaufman-Renn combined for 33 points. Michigan shot just 37 percent, including 6 for 29 from 3. Vladislav Goldin (14 points) and Nimari Burnett Roddy Gayle Jr. (11 each) were Michigan’s top contributors.
Even Purdue’s rare miscues worked out. In the first half, Loyer dribbled off his own foot, but the ball caromed right to a teammate, who popped it back to Loyer for an open 3. Early in the second half, Myles Covin’s dunk popped around the rim before falling in. The Boilermakers improved to 16-5 (8-2), reminding folks why they were the preseason pick to win the Big Ten for a third straight year.
Purdue’s biggest lead was 30, with 3:44 to play. Purdue coach Matt Painter pulled his starters less than a minute later.
Purdue had not lost a home game since 2023 before Tuesday’s loss to Ohio State. The Boilermakers looked very motivated from the opening tip against Michigan.
The Wolverines won’t have much time to dwell before hosting Penn State on Monday. Michigan and Purdue will meet again in Ann Arbor on Feb. 11.
