LINCOLN, Neb. – Braden Smith continues to etch his name into the Purdue basketball record books, surpassing E’Twaun Moore’s longstanding program record for career minutes played on Tuesday, February 10th, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The milestone came during a hard-fought 80-77 overtime victory against Nebraska, a game that saw the Boilermakers nearly squander a significant second-half lead.
Smith entered the contest needing 27 minutes to eclipse Moore’s mark of 4,517 minutes, a record that had stood since 2011. He surpassed it during the Boilermakers’ contest against the Cornhuskers. Moore, a ten-year NBA veteran who played for teams including the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and New Orleans Pelicans, accumulated his minutes over 140 career games, starting 135 of them, from 2007-2011. Smith reached the milestone in his 134th game, remarkably having started every single one.
The record-breaking performance was almost overshadowed by a dramatic comeback attempt by Nebraska. Purdue built a commanding 22-point lead in the second half, but the Huskers chipped away, fueled by a late surge that nearly forced a Boilermaker collapse. The game ultimately went to overtime, where Oscar Cluff’s late basket and a subsequent foul put Purdue ahead. Gicarri Harris then sealed the victory with a pair of clutch free throws with just 1.5 seconds remaining, securing an 80-77 win.
The Boilermakers’ strong start, spearheaded by a barrage of three-pointers from Fletcher Loyer and Smith, quickly established a dominant lead. Loyer and Smith each connected on two early triples, propelling Purdue to a 14-1 advantage in the game’s opening minutes. This early offensive explosion set the tone, but Nebraska refused to go quietly.
Nebraska’s comeback was particularly impressive, utilizing an 18-2 run to close the gap and put pressure on Purdue. Despite the Huskers’ efforts, Purdue responded with an 8-0 run of their own, sparked by three-pointers from Cox, briefly restoring a comfortable cushion. However, Purdue’s struggles at the free-throw line in the final minute allowed Nebraska to stay within striking distance, ultimately forcing the extra period.
Beyond the record-breaking achievement and the nail-biting victory, Smith also showcased his all-around game, dishing out an impressive 10 assists. This performance brings his career total to 968 assists, further solidifying his place among Purdue’s all-time greats. He currently ranks seventh all-time in NCAA assists, trailing Steve Blake by just four assists. Bobby Hurley holds the all-time NCAA record with 1,076 assists.
The win improves Purdue’s record to 20-4 overall and 10-3 in Big Ten play, keeping them firmly in contention for the conference title. Nebraska, now 21-3 overall and 10-3 in the Big Ten, falls into a tie with Purdue in the conference standings. The Boilermakers will need to maintain their momentum as they navigate a challenging schedule, with several key games remaining on the horizon.
The game at Pinnacle Bank Arena proved to be one of the toughest environments in the Big Ten, and Purdue’s ability to withstand Nebraska’s late charge speaks to their resilience, and determination. While the Boilermakers will undoubtedly analyze their near-collapse and address their free-throw shooting woes, they can take solace in the fact that they secured a crucial road victory and witnessed a historic moment in program history.
Braden Smith’s continued ascent up the NCAA assist charts is also a storyline to watch closely. With several games remaining in the regular season and the potential for a deep postseason run, Smith has a realistic opportunity to challenge Bobby Hurley’s all-time record. His consistent playmaking and leadership have been instrumental to Purdue’s success this season, and his impact extends far beyond the record books.