That offense with much credit given to PJ AND Matt, is blessed to have Braden doing what he does. Remove Braden and the offense against a good team is not nearly as good. We are witnessing a player at the 1 unlike any in my memory of Purdue basketball and Purdue has had some good ones. Braden is special and LIVED in the gym last summer. I think we can say the same about Fletcher as well.
The whole team contributed last night and there were many important plays by a variety of players, but in the heat of the moment Braden getting on the floor towards the corner opposite of Alabama (SW corner) to retrieve a loose ball, get it back and then smartly draw a foul on a defender as he was dribbling the ball across half court was at a crucial time and play. Braden wills the team to a higher level with his fire and play to do whatever he can to lead Purdue to a win. That will, that fire...that competitive spirit has no number of measure to rate the effect, but controlling the game is huge. BTW, Braden's little brother apparently has the same fire as he may have a broken nose from diving on the floor and a player diving on him Thursday