In Reply to: #11 Illinois MBB @ #4 Purdue - just ended posted by barrya on January 24, 2026 at 15:09:49
had 1 point at that point in the game. 6'6 freshman guard Keaton Wagler has been freshman of the week in the Big 10 several times and today was playing the PG position for Illinois as their normal PG, Boswell, is out for about a month with an injury.
That 46 point performance with only 17 shots taken was the best performance of a freshman that I've seen in years. 9 of 11 threes with such a smooth stroke and good moves to get open. Most were from NBA range too. Illinois is big and physical and have a bunch of guys who can knock down the three. IMO, they will be a tough out for most any team in the country on any given day.
By the way, Purdue' Smith also had a great day too with his 27 points ad 12 assists. Didn't look like he was slowed by injury in this one as some said he was against the Bruins.