Purdue Holds Off High Point in NCAA Tournament Opener

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Purdue Boilermakers triumphed over the High Point Panthers, winning 75-63 in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 20, 2025. The game, held at Amica Mutual Pavilion, marked a significant event as it was High Point’s historic debut in the tournament.

Purdue aimed to shake off the memories of their previous season’s disappointment, where they fell to a 16-seed in a shocking first-round upset. The Boilermakers, seeded No. 4, entered the tournament with a season record of 23-11, while the 13-seed Panthers came in boasting a robust 29-6 record and a 14-game winning streak.

Braden Smith, a standout player from Purdue, delivered a stellar performance with 20 points, while Trey Kaufman-Renn led the scoring for Purdue with 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds. “The game was so back and forth the entire time and I think me and Trey and all these other guys who have been through it, we understand how to keep our composure and stay with the game,” Smith said after the match.

High Point’s D’Maurian Williams contributed 12 points, and Trae Benham added 11, but they faced significant challenges against Purdue’s defense and rebounding strategies, which had been a focal point for the Boilermakers this season. Purdue held a decisive rebounding advantage, winning the battle on the boards 45-24 and outscoring High Point 38-22 in the paint.

“That’s what won us the game,” Kaufman-Renn said. “We have put more of an emphasis on rebounding, and we have to keep that up if we want to keep winning.”

The first half ended with Purdue leading 37-27 after a 17-7 run. In the second half, the Panthers narrowed the gap to just three points at 59-56 after a dunk by Juslin Bodo Bodo with 7:47 left on the clock. However, Kaufman-Renn made a fadeaway jumper to quell High Point’s momentum and ignite a 7-0 run that effectively sealed the game for the Boilermakers.

Purdue coach Matt Painter praised his team’s ability to stay composed under pressure. “You get into trouble when you don’t move into the next play,” Painter said. “We all get caught into it, but we managed to maintain our focus.”

High Point’s journey to the NCAA tournament marked a milestone for the program, which made the move up to Division I in 1999. Coach Alan Huss expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments and potential. “It doesn’t matter where you come from. If you come to High Point, you’re going to have an experience that’s better than where you came from,” Huss said.

The Boilermakers will advance to the second round, facing either Clemson or McNeese State on Saturday. As Purdue embarks on its quest for NCAA success, the importance of rebounding and composure will remain central to their strategy.

Purdue’s victory not only showcases their skills but also highlights their resilience in the NCAA tournament as they aim for a deeper run this year.