TUSCALOOSA — You know a college basketball contest is extra special when it feels like even the arena’s bricks are leaning in to watch. On Thursday night, No. 2 Purdue walked into the rusty old Coleman Coliseum, slapped down an 87-80 win over No. 8 Alabama, and left the Crimson Tide wondering just how YouTube-highlighted that loss might become. Credit both coaches for the scheduling finesse—Matt Painter and Nate Oats deserve brass plaques for this home-and-home setup—but on this night it was Purdue that punched the heavy ticket.
The Breeder of Big Moments
Purdue exits at 3-0, riding off a rocky start in cupcake land but still boasting a Top 5 KenPom rating (+28.28) and elite offensive efficiency. Alabama, fresh off their big road win at St. John’s, felt red hot, ranked No. 8, and favored by those who thought Tuscaloosa magic would take over. The script said Alabama under Nate Oats should win at home (-3.5); the reality said otherwise. The Boilermakers’ string-pulling veterans showed up.
Braden Smith torched the Tide for 29 points (21 in the second half) and seven boards. Trey Kaufman-Renn added 19 points and pulled down 15 rebounds. Purdue grabbed a jaw-dropping 52-28 rebounding edge, with 19 offensive boards and 16-7 second-chance points. Alabama shot decently well from three—16-of-44—but it wasn’t enough when the big boys in white and black were just grasping every missed shot like they were going to feed the cat.
Alabama’s Glow, Then the Shadow
Aden Holloway lit it up for Bama with 21 points and five threes, Taylor Bol Bowen pumped in 13, and Aiden Sherrell chipped in 12. The crowd was jammed—13,474 in attendance—and the student section screamed with something between “Roll Tide” and “How did this happen?” early in the second half. Alabama made 48 percent of their threes in the first half but cooled to 26 percent in the second—classic case of heat-check turned ice-cold. On board woes: Oats later admitted “you can’t beat anyone being out-rebounded by 25 in a game.” That sound you heard? That was middling efficiency screaming “we’re paying attention.”
Why This Matters
The two programs clashed in Toronto two seasons ago and both made deep tournament runs (Purdue to the natty, Alabama to the Final Four, with each reaching the Elite 8 last year after a November clash in West Lafayette) so this isn’t some random “we’re gonna get you” game—it’s heavyweight collision territory. Scheduling up, accepting major non-conference risk—these are the moves that count come March. Purdue picked up a major resume booster on enemy turf. Alabama saw a test, failed a rebound-driven pop quiz, but still showed guard fire.
Outlook for Each Squad
Purdue: Built for March. Elite talent, veteran backbone, size dominance, disciplined ball control (just 10 turnovers vs. Bama). They walk away 3-0, box-score brilliance, big-road win, “best team in college hoops” whispers growing. Coach Painter quietly smiles in his sideline suit knowing this win will echo in selection rooms.
Alabama: They’re still very, very good. Guard play is legit, shooting can carry them, Oats has the program trending upward. But this game revealed a vulnerability: boards, second-chance defense, interior presence. If Bama wants to be more than March pretender—they’ll need better posture in the paint and when the shots don’t fall.
The Boilermakers exit No. 5 in KenPom, while Alabama sits at No. 24.
Final Whistle
Let me paint it with a tagline: On this canvas, Purdue drew the masterpiece and Alabama got the photo of what they could be—just one snapshot shy. The crowd roared. The clash sparkled. And for the college hoops connoisseur, this game delivered. Tuscaloosa looked like basketball heaven for a night—but the math favored the Boilers. For Alabama fans, it’s a wake-up call wrapped in crimson. For Purdue loyalists? This is the kind of road sweep that ages like fine wine. Grab your popcorn, folks—the early title picture just got a little clearer, and the guy with the big board? He’s still riding the train with Purdue’s logo.
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