Brad Underwood comments on how the Illini beat Purdue

Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood seemed just as starstruck with Keaton Wagler as any Illini fan did on Saturday. Who could blame Underwood, however, as Keaton Wagler literally made college basketball history with a historic and dominant performance against a top-5 opponent in one of the toughest road environments in the country.  Wagler never got too high or low and just kept playing his game. After the game, he approached the post-game press conference like he did every other game. Cool, calm, and collected.

On the other hand, Brad Underwood and his team secured a major marquee victory that supplants them well within the National Championship conversation. When asked about the keys to victory, Underwood was candid.

Quote from Brad Underwood

“We talked about having to win the rebound battle, and I thought we had good shots we didn’t make. I thought our offensive rebounding effort kept us in that. When you face Purdue and Braden, especially coming off a loss, you’re going to get their very best. I thought Keaton was like nothing I’ve seen in my 39 years. Especially in a top-5, top-10 matchup, we just took advantage of their coverage. Keaton made it look really easy

“We withstood Braden. I thought rebounding was the key. Tonight, it was probably the night we had the best player on the court.”

On a court with Braden Smith, Andrej Stojakovic, and Trey Kaufman-Renn…

Braden Smith is arguably the best point guard in Purdue basketball history. Additionally, he is widely considered one of the best guards in college basketball right now and was a consensus preseason All-American. Smith had a fantastic game with 27 points and 12 rebounds on an efficient statline but here’s the situation. Keaton Wagler outplayed him.

Wagler is a surefire star in the making who will play in the NBA for many years to come. The Illini are so lucky to have him, and Brad Underwood knows this.

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