Purdue vs Texas Tech: Top 15 Showdown in Bahamas

The college basketball world turned to Nassau, Bahamas on November 21, 2025, for a highly anticipated non-conference showdown between the top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers and 15th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders. This championship game of the Baha Mar Tournament featured two of the nation's premier players and raised eyebrows about the unique—and controversial—venue.

Star-Studded Matchup: Braden Smith vs. JT Toppin

At the heart of this clash was a battle between two elite guards. Purdue's Braden Smith, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year and first-team All-American, faced off against Texas Tech's JT Toppin, the Big 12 Player of the Year and second-team All-American. This individual duel set the tone for a game that showcased elite collegiate talent on the global stage.

The Bahamas Setting: Paradise or Peril?

While the tropical location sounded exotic, it sparked significant debate among fans. The game was contested in a hotel ballroom, prompting criticism over the playing surface. Purdue fans, in particular, voiced concerns about safety, given the program's history of devastating injuries. As one Purdue blogger passionately wrote:

"College basketball should not be played in a hotel ballroom on a slick court. This is reckless to the point of idiocy. These programs have millions of dollars invested in this season. These players have millions of dollars of potential pro money in their future, and they have to play basketball in a hot ... in the Bahamas?"

Fans expressed anxiety about potential slips on the wet court, with some admitting they couldn't watch live due to stress about possible injuries.

How to Watch: Broadcast Details

The game aired live on CBS Sports Network with streaming available via FuboTV. Tip-off occurred at 8:30 p.m. CT in front of an international audience. For fans without access to the channel, live updates tracked the action throughout the contest.

Game Recap: Purdue's Second-Half Surge

Early in the game, Texas Tech showcased their offensive prowess, taking an 18-17 led behind sharpshooting Donovan Atwell, who connected on three of the team's five first-half three-pointers. Purdue's defense tightened in the second half, however, sparked by back-to-back threes from Fletcher Loyer. The Boilermakers mounted a decisive run, extending their lead to 40-23 at one point and ultimately securing the tournament championship.

What's Next for Both Teams

For Purdue (5-0), the victory reinforced their status as national title contenders in the loaded Big Ten. Texas Tech (4-1) proved their Big 12 bona despite the loss, with Toppin's performance signaling another strong season in Lubbock. Both teams will now return to conference play, with Purdue hosting Wyoming on November 30 and Texas Tech taking on LSU in Fort Worth on December 7.

As the dust settles in the Bahamas, one question remains: Will future neutral-site tournaments prioritize player safety over exotic locations? For now, fans will remember this game for its star power, Purdue's dominant finish, and the ongoing conversation about where—and how—college basketball's biggest matchups should be played.