INDIANAPOLIS – Texas A&M’s defense put on a masterclass against a Purdue basketball team that has held its own at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in recent years.

The Boilermakers came out cold on the outside and had no semblance of an inside game. They saw the passing lanes disappear and their center flooded for over 30 minutes.

Despite a spark from shots from Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith, the No. 18 Aggies kept Trey Kaufman-Ren from doing his damage as the Boilers lost 70-66, ending a four-game winning streak at Gainbridge since then Loss to Iowa in 2022 Big Ten Championship Game.

The Boilers ended up putting on a respectable performance, but Loyer was ruled out in the second half after going 5-on-5. Kaufman-Renn scored 11 points on 3 of 9 shooting and Braden Smith’s 15 points, six rebounds and six assists were overshadowed by six turnovers and just three points in the second half.