It’s possible to look at Tuesday’s loss to Purdue as a moral victory. But given the state of Iowa’s season, moral victories aren’t enough.

Purdue basketball caught fire in the second half, then had to hold on as Iowa did the same. In the end, the seventh-ranked Boilermakers prevailed 90-81 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena thanks to a 12 of 25 effort from 3-point range.

Purdue lacked energy in the first half on Tuesday night against Iowa. At halftime, Braden Smith reminded his teammates of their goals this season, which provided a major second-half spark.