Braden Smith had another double-double Thursday, scoring 16 points and dishing out 14 assists. Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell called the junior a 'special player.'

Rutgers is looking to end a two-game losing streak and prevent itself from falling into an even deeper hole in its pursuit of an NCAA Tournament bid. The Scarlet Knights have lost six of their last nine games, but Pikiell is confident they can turn things around.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn scored 16 points apiece to lead No. 20 Purdue to a 68-50 win over Rutgers on Thursday night. Smith, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Week, had 14 assists.

Steve Pikiell's Scarlet Knights lose to Purdue, 68-50, in a crucial Big Ten basketball game for Rutgers, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn scored 16 points apiece to lead No. 20 Purdue to a 68-50 win over Rutgers on Thursday night. Smith, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Week, had 14 assists.