NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
WEST LAFAYETTE − Purdue basketball passed its first post-Zach Edey test.
Sort of.
The Boilermakers’ 90-73 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Monday night at Mackey Arena left a lot to be desired for a team coming off a national championship game appearance.
Despite five double-digit scorers, it took key plays from Fletcher Loyer, Daniel Jacobsen, Braden Smith and Gicarri Harris in the closing moments for the Boilermakers to prevail.
More: Purdue makes redshirt decision on freshman big man
Purdue’s new 7-4 post presence Jacobsen helped alleviate the loss of Edey, college basketball’s two-time National Player of the Year, with 13 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.
Purdue turning point vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
The Boilermakers were clinging to a 20-19 lead when Myles Colvin made his first of four straight 3s.
The sophomore provided 14 first half points on 5-of-6 shooting, including a thunderous dunk in the final seconds, that sparked Purdue to a 16-point halftime lead.
Despite turning the turnover issues in the first half, the Boilers overcame it by shooting 63%. The lead was whittled to three points with just more than six minutes left, but that Colvin spark was a cushion just enough.
Turnovers cause for concern
After Sunday’s practice, Matt Painter praised his team’s ability to take care of the basketball.
The Boilermakers had seven turnovers each in exhibition games against Creighton and Grand Valley State.
Purdue turned the ball over Monday night twice before its first field goal attempt and three times in its first four possessions. By halftime, the Boilermakers already exceeded their turnover total in both exhibition games. Purdue finished with 16 turnovers, leading to 19 Islander points.
3 stars
Fletcher Loyer, Purdue: The junior guard proved to be old reliable when the Boilermakers had to have a basket. Loyer’s corner 3 with 10:19 to go came with a collective exhale after the Islanders cut Purdue’s lead to five. Loyer was 4-of-4 shooting in the first half and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/purdues-opening-night-wasnt-perfect-011118018.html
Author : Indianapolis Star
Publish date : 2024-11-05 01:11:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
