Purdue basketball finds road woes, stifled by Marquette defense

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

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

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

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

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

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Purdue basketball 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 CJ 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.

Nov 19, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) looks to pass the ball as Marquette Golden Eagles forward Royce Parham (13) defends during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/purdue-basketball-finds-road-woes-040402505.html

Author : Journal & Courier

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

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