Braden Smith is in the top 10 assists in the loss at Maryland

After sliding down the power rankings, Purdue basketball fought back with a purpose. Braden Smith led the offense as The Boilermakers, now 18–4, are on a three-game skid with a 93-63 blow from Maryland basketballwhich fell to 8–13, in a Big Ten clash that was personal and powerful. From the tip off, the Terrapins never found their footing under the bright lights of the arena.

Smith finished with 19 points and six assists, moving up the order NCAA top 10 assists list of all time and turning a tense night into a victory. Soon the crowd felt the change. Every passage had a purpose. Each run restored faith in West Lafayette.

🔝🔟 in 🫳 dinars. pic.tvitter.com/RIAJnJFldu

— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) February 2, 2026

In the beginning, the opening minutes set the tone. Purdue attacked with pace and confidence. Meanwhile, Maryland tried to slow down the pace, but the deluge never stopped. Smith controlled the dance floor like a veteran conductor. He picked up the pace. He saw the corners before they opened. As a result, each assist felt like history in motion. By halftime, the Boilermakers owned the game. Until the final siren, they owned the moment. This was not just a victory. Instead, it was a reset.

Purdue basketball: History meets momentum

Braden Smith’s milestone came quietly, but it carried weight. His place among the NCAA’s great distributors now stands alongside legends who built careers on vision and trust. However, this night belonged to more than one star. Fletcher Loyer erupted for 29 points and stretched the Maryland basketball defense beyond its limits. His shot broke the game. His confidence fed the crowd. Purdue looked like itself again.

For the Terrapins, the loss revealed growing cracks. Defensive rotations have lagged behind. The offensive flow is gone. The scoreboard told the story long before the final minutes ticked off. The rivalry game turned into a performance lesson.

For Purdue, the message was clear. Losing strings can break. Identity can be restored. Under the lights of the stadium, Kotlarci reminded everyone who they are when the ball is moving and the energy is growing. Smith’s rise to history now converges with a greater purpose. The momentum is back. Belief is back. And the season is suddenly alive again.

What’s next when trust and history collide for Purdue?