Marquette smothers Purdue in top-15 matchup as Boilers struggle with pressure

MILWAUKEE − It was a streak that lasted nearly four years.

On Tuesday night, Purdue basketball’s run of consecutive regular season nonconference victories finally ended.

No. 14 Marquette’s defense locked down a Boilermakers offense that came into Fiserv Forum averaging 85.3 points per game.

Purdue-Marquette player ratings: Loss shows where Boilers need to improve

Led by senior guard Kam Jones’ all-around game and a stifling defense, the Golden Eagles defeated sixth-ranked Purdue, 76-58.

Purdue’s nonconference regular season win streak ended at 39, a streak that began in December 2020.

Purdue turning point at Marquette

The Boilermakers had two chances while trailing by five midway through the second half.

David Joplin’s steal took away one of those chances and on the following Purdue possession C.J. Cox missed a midrange jumper. Stevie Mitchell made four free throws on the other end over the next 23 seconds, pushing Marquette back up by nine.

With Marquette’s defense, making up that margin in 10 minutes is nearly impossible.

Turnover woes return

After double digit turnovers in three straight games to start the season, Purdue felt it had turned a corner last Friday when the Boilermakers committed only three in their win over Alabama.

Then Purdue ran into Marquette’s defense.

Passing lanes that have been there suddenly weren’t. Floor spacing Purdue typically counts on was taken away.

By halftime, the Boilermakers already had nine turnovers, leading to 10 Marquette points. For Purdue to be a good team, Matt Painter has repeatedly said the Boilermakers have to be in single digits in turnovers.

3 stars

Kam Jones, Marquette: Purdue’s defense wanted to make sure Jones, who came in averaging 24 points per game, didn’t go off at its expense. Jones made just one first half field goal but had seven rebounds and six assists in the first half. He finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, the first Marquette triple-double since Dwyane Wade.

Fletcher Loyer, Purdue: Loyer has now scored…

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Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2024-11-20 04:16:00

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