Purdue Basketball Faces Mounting Concerns as Season Winds Down

Boilermakers star Braden Smith and coach Matt Painter express frustration over team's lack of focus and communication

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Purdue's men's basketball team, once projected to be a Final Four contender, has struggled mightily in recent weeks, losing 3 of their last 4 games. After the latest defeat to Ohio State, star point guard Braden Smith and head coach Matt Painter expressed deep concern over the team's inability to identify and fix the root issues, particularly on the defensive end.

Why it matters

Purdue was expected to be one of the top teams in the Big Ten and a national title contender this season, but their recent slide has put their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy with Selection Sunday just two weeks away. The team's lack of focus and communication, especially on defense, is a major red flag this late in the season.

The details

In the 82-74 loss to Ohio State, Purdue allowed the Buckeyes to shoot 51% from the field and attempt 32 free throws. When asked about the team's defensive struggles, Smith said he doesn't "have an answer" for what's wrong and is "just trying to figure it out." Coach Painter also pointed to the team's inability to string together consistent defensive stops, saying they "come in and out of our focus and concentration."

  • Purdue has posted a 5-6 record over their last 11 games.
  • 3 of Purdue's 6 losses during this stretch have come at Mackey Arena.
  • Selection Sunday is just 2 weeks away.

The players

Braden Smith

Purdue's star point guard who expressed frustration over the team's inability to identify and fix their issues.

Matt Painter

Purdue's head coach who acknowledged the team's lack of focus and communication on the defensive end as a major concern.

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What they’re saying

“I think they're fixable. Obviously, if I knew what it was. I think it would already be done. I don't have an answer. I sit in my room, classroom, whatever it is, trying to figure it out. I don't know what it is.”

— Braden Smith, Purdue Guard

“We come in and out of our focus and concentration. We make good plays, we do good things, and then we don't. ... We are the king of — we will guard you in the same action, and then we'll turn around and guard the same action after that, and we don't do what we're supposed to.”

— Matt Painter, Purdue Head Coach

What’s next

Purdue will need to quickly identify and address their defensive issues before the NCAA Tournament, with Selection Sunday just two weeks away.

The takeaway

Purdue's struggles in recent weeks, including their inability to consistently play strong defense, have put their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. The team's lack of focus and communication is a major concern this late in the season as they run out of time to correct their issues.