Stevie Mitchell scored a season-high 21 points and Kam Jones recorded a triple-double to lead No. 15 Marquette to a 76-58 victory over No. 6 Purdue in a highly anticipated nonconference matchup of undefeated teams on Tuesday night in Milwaukee.

Jones finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Mitchell’s scoring helped Marquette (5-0) pull away in the second half. Chase Ross added 12 points, and Ben Gold contributed 11 for the Golden Eagles.

Purdue (4-1) struggled to make a comeback despite several efforts to close the gap. After trailing 35-28 at halftime, the Boilermakers made a push early in the second half, with Trey Kaufman-Renn pulling Purdue within 55-49 with 8:14 remaining. However, Marquette answered with an 8-0 run, highlighted by Mitchell’s layup that extended the lead to 63-49 as Purdue went nearly four minutes without scoring.

Jones then scored back-to-back baskets to push the Marquette lead to 69-53 with just under two minutes left, effectively sealing the win for the Golden Eagles.

Kaufman-Renn led Purdue with 16 points, and Fletcher Loyer added 13, but the Boilermakers were undone by turnovers, committing 15 to just six for Marquette. The Golden Eagles capitalized on Purdue’s mistakes, outscoring them 18-8 in points off turnovers. Marquette also dominated in the paint, holding a 38-22 advantage.

Purdue, coming off a big win over No. 2 Alabama, struggled in its first road game of the season after opening with four home contests. Despite an early push to start the second half, the Boilermakers could not get within a single possession of Marquette. Marquette’s defense and efficient offense, led by Jones and Mitchell, ultimately proved too much for Purdue.

Marquette’s defense was also a major factor, as they limited Purdue’s offensive opportunities and controlled the tempo in the second half.

Source: Field Level Media