Kam Jones delivered a historic performance on Tuesday night, leading No. 15 Marquette to a commanding 76-58 victory over No. 6 Purdue. This win not only marked a statement for Marquette but also ended Purdue's remarkable 39-game regular-season nonconference winning streak—a run that dated back to December 2020. The win showcased Jones' incredible growth as a player, highlighted by his first career triple-double with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Breaking Purdue’s Streak: A Historic Night for Marquette
Before this loss, Purdue (4-1) had been untouchable in nonconference regular-season games since falling to Miami 58-54 on December 8, 2020. That streak was the fourth-longest in NCAA history, trailing only Syracuse's record of 52 consecutive wins from 2008 to 2012. Marquette’s victory was a major achievement, solidifying its position as a powerhouse team early in the season.
But the night wasn’t just about breaking records; it was also deeply personal for Kam Jones. This game came just days after the passing of Terry Tippett, Jones' freshman-year coach at Evangelical Christian in Memphis, Tennessee. Tippett, a legendary coach with six Tennessee state championships, passed away at age 79 on Saturday. Jones dedicated the game—and the rest of his season—to Tippett.
“I wanted to really dedicate this game to him and dedicate the rest of the season to him,” Jones said, reflecting on the coach's impact on his life and career.
Kam Jones Joins Marquette's Elite
Jones’ triple-double was only the third in Marquette's storied history. The last time a Marquette player accomplished this feat was when NBA legend Dwyane Wade delivered 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 2003 regional final victory over Kentucky that sent Marquette to its most recent Final Four. The program’s first-ever triple-double came from Tony Miller in 1994. To now have his name mentioned alongside Wade and Miller was an honor for Jones.
“It's an honor to be in that type of company,” said Jones, whose performance also included career-highs in both rebounds and assists. His expanded skill set as a 6-foot-5 senior was on full display, proving he’s far more than just a scorer.
Evolving from Scorer to Playmaker
Jones has long been a prolific scorer, leading Marquette in points for the past two seasons. He averaged 15.1 points during the 2022-23 Big East championship campaign and upped that to 17.2 points for the 2023-24 Sweet 16 run. However, with the departure of Tyler Kolek—last year’s Big East Player of the Year—Jones knew he needed to evolve.
“He's always had better ability as a playmaker than people might think,” said Marquette coach Shaka Smart. “We still need him to score, but now we also need him to create opportunities for other guys.”
This season, Jones has risen to the challenge. He’s currently averaging 22.6 points and six assists per game, a significant leap from his previous career-best of 2.4 assists per season. On Tuesday, Jones played a complementary role in the first half, tallying just three points but racking up six assists and seven rebounds. Then, in the final 13 minutes, he shifted gears, scoring 10 of his 17 points and putting the game out of Purdue’s reach.
A New Level of Maturity
Jones' ability to step up as a distributor didn’t go unnoticed by Purdue coach Matt Painter, who has faced Marquette for three consecutive seasons.
“He came here as a shooter,” Painter said. “Now he’s a player. He didn’t kill us until he had to.”
Painter praised Jones’ patience and game management, noting how the senior avoided forcing bad shots and instead controlled the tempo, waiting for the perfect moments to strike. The defining play came with 51 seconds left, as Jones assisted Stevie Mitchell for a corner three-pointer to complete his triple-double.
“He was like a seasoned veteran tonight,” Painter added. “He picked his spots at the right time and dominated the game in other areas.”
Honing His Craft Behind the Scenes
Jones’ evolution into a more complete player is the result of countless hours of hard work. His dedication to film study, late-night gym sessions, and constant self-improvement has paid off in ways that go far beyond the stat sheet.
“They say what’s done in the dark will come to light,” Jones said. “I was in the gym with Coach watching film—late nights, early mornings—trying to constantly figure out ways to get better. That’s the name of the game.”
Marquette’s Dominant Start
With this victory, Marquette improved to 5-0 on the season, solidifying its place as a team to watch in college basketball. Jones’ performance wasn’t just about individual accolades; it was a testament to Marquette’s depth and potential.
Although the loss was a tough blow for Purdue, the Boilermakers remain a formidable team. However, Marquette’s emphatic victory sent a clear message: this squad is ready to contend at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
Kam Jones’ historic night will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point in his career. As Marquette continues its journey, the team will look to build on this momentum, with Jones leading the charge as both a scorer and a playmaker.
For Jones, the game was more than just a personal milestone or a big win—it was a tribute to a coach who inspired him and a reminder of the value of perseverance, preparation, and teamwork. As he continues to dedicate the season to Terry Tippett, fans can expect to see even greater performances from a player who is rewriting the narrative of his career.
Marquette's victory was not just about breaking streaks—it was about building legacies, both for Kam Jones and the program as a whole. Keep an eye on this team; the best may still be yet to come.
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