Fletcher Loyer’s Milestone Shooting Performance Helps Purdue Cruise in NCAA Tournament Opener

The Purdue Boilermakers opened their 2026 NCAA Tournament campaign with a decisive 104-71 victory over the Queens University Royals on Friday night, advancing comfortably into the second round of March Madness. The win highlighted Purdue’s offensive efficiency and depth, particularly from beyond the arc.

A major storyline from the game centered on senior guard Fletcher Loyer, who delivered a strong shooting performance while reaching a significant individual milestone. His contributions from three-point range helped stretch the floor and reinforce Purdue’s perimeter attack.

Loyer’s performance was part of a broader team effort that saw multiple players contribute in double figures, allowing Purdue to control the tempo and maintain a steady lead throughout the contest. The Boilermakers’ balance on offense and dominance on the glass proved decisive in separating from their opponent.

With the victory, Purdue continues its postseason run with momentum, having already established itself as one of the more efficient offensive teams in the tournament field. The focus now shifts to sustaining that level of execution against stronger competition in the rounds ahead.

1. Loyer’s Shooting Milestone

Loyer played 25 minutes in the win, making a noticeable impact with his perimeter shooting. He finished with 14 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal, providing consistent spacing and scoring for Purdue’s offense. From the field, Loyer shot 5-of-9 overall, including an efficient 4-of-8 from three-point range. His ability to convert from long distance continued a trend that has defined his collegiate career, where he has consistently been one of Purdue’s most reliable outside shooters. The performance allowed Loyer to reach a notable milestone, as he surpassed 100 made three-pointers in a single season. This achievement places him among a select group in program history, becoming only the fourth player in Purdue’s record books to accomplish the feat. As a senior, Loyer’s shooting consistency has been a cornerstone of Purdue’s offensive identity. His spacing forces defenses to extend, creating opportunities for teammates and opening driving lanes that contribute to the team’s overall efficiency.

2. Purdue’s Balanced Offensive Attack

Purdue’s victory was not solely dependent on Loyer’s shooting, as the team showcased a balanced offensive attack with four players scoring in double figures. This depth allowed the Boilermakers to maintain pressure on Queens throughout the game. Braden Smith led the team with 26 points, adding eight assists and three rebounds in a standout all-around performance. His playmaking and scoring set the tone for Purdue’s offensive rhythm, particularly in transition and half-court sets. Trey Kaufman-Renn contributed 25 points and nine rebounds, providing a strong presence inside the paint. His ability to score efficiently around the basket complemented Purdue’s perimeter-oriented approach. Additional contributions came from CJ Cox, who added 11 points and four rebounds, while Oscar Cluff and Omer Meyer each chipped in nine points. The collective output underscored Purdue’s ability to generate offense from multiple sources.

3. Team Performance and Tournament Outlook

Purdue’s dominance in the game was reflected in key statistical categories, particularly shooting and rebounding. The Boilermakers made 14 three-pointers and controlled the boards with 41 rebounds, limiting Queens to 19 rebounds and just seven made threes. That disparity in both perimeter shooting and rebounding allowed Purdue to dictate the pace and maintain control from start to finish. Their ability to win those fundamental battles proved critical in building and sustaining a comfortable lead. With the win, Purdue improved to 28-8 on the season, including a 13-7 record in Big Ten play. The team finished fourth in the conference standings and secured its place in the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big Ten championship game over Michigan. Looking ahead, Purdue will face the winner of the matchup between Miami Hurricanes and Missouri Tigers on March 22. As the competition intensifies, the Boilermakers will aim to continue their balanced offensive approach while relying on Loyer’s shooting and the team’s depth to advance further in the tournament.