Kaufman-Renn's breakout night helps No. 1 Purdue hold off No. 9 Illinois 83-78

Posted January 05, 2024 10:35 pm

By MICHAEL MAROT

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Trey Kaufman-Renn scored a season-high 23 points, Lance Smith added 17 and top-ranked Purdue held off a late charge to beat No. 9 Illinois 83-78 on Friday night.

The Boilermakers (14-1, 3-1 Big Ten) extended their winning streak to seven games by winning the first top-10 matchup at Mackey Arena since Jan. 1, 2010.

Reigning national player of the year Zach Edey had 10 points and 15 rebounds, becoming the second Purdue player with 1,000 all-time boards. Only Joe Barry Carroll has more than Edey's 1,006.

Marcus Domask had 26 points and Quincy Guerrier finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Fighting Illini (11-3, 2-1), who had won four in a row. They lost for the first time since top scorer Terrence Shannon Jr. was suspended after being charged with rape in Douglass County, Kansas.

The Illini dropped to 0-9 against No. 1 teams on the road and never led in this one.

But after falling behind 20-4 and trailing by 21 with about 13 minutes left, Illinois made it interesting with Edey in foul trouble. The Illini methodically trimmed Purdue's lead, closing to 81-78 on Coleman Hawkins' 3-pointer with 12.1 seconds to go.

Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) shoots over Purdue guard Lance Jones (55) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) AP

Braden Smith sealed the win with two free throws.

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