It’s possible to look at Tuesday’s loss to Purdue as a moral victory. But given the state of Iowa’s season, moral victories aren’t enough.

Braden Smith dropped 31 points on the road and Trey Kaufman-Renn added late heroics after early foul trouble as the Boilermakers improved to 18-5.

The Boilermakers held off a late charge and point guard Braden Smith was key. Here's a look at each player's rating from the win at Iowa.

Iowa basketball plays Purdue today in the 2025 Big Ten college basketball season. Here's how to watch the Hawkeyes men's game.

It was another 40-minute night for Purdue point guard Braden Smith. Due to circumstance, the Boilers needed him to take over. Then he did.

Braden Smith had 31 points and Trey Kaufman-Renn scored 25 as No. 7 Purdue beat Iowa 90-81. Josh Dix led the Hawkeyes with 27 points and Payton Sandfort had 23.

Following a week's worth of rest since their Jan. 27 loss at Ohio State, Iowa basketball (13-9, 4-7 Big Ten) lost a highly competitive game vs. No. 7 Purdue (18-5, 10-2 Big Ten) by a score of 90-81 Tuesday night from Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Purdue lacked energy in the first half on Tuesday night against Iowa. At halftime, Braden Smith reminded his teammates of their goals this season, which provided a major second-half spark.