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It’s going to be a weird and weird year.
Purdue wins against nemesis Valparaiso, 68-61, in an empty Mackey Arena after a double-digit deficit to start the second period.
There was no magic. There was no sound unless you counted the fake crowd noise blown in. Instead, the squealing of sneakers and the bounce of dribbling – oh, and the whistle. Lots of whistles. A total of 53 fouls between the two teams, with Valp struggling to keep players on the pitch after their 32 fouls put Purdue on the line for their 36th and 37th free throws.
Purdue was in the double bonus even earlier in the first half with over ten minutes to go as they shot two with each foul. Then again, Purdue failed to capitalize on their free throws in the same way they missed their open lines and bunnies in the sun.
Purdue shot 35% from the field for the game, 26% of three after shooting over 40% in their first three games, and only managed 24 of their 37 free throws.
Valpo’s 41% on the floor weren’t much better, but it was their 17 turnovers that were their downfall. While Purdue struggled at times, looking like the young team they are, Valpo struggled to take full advantage of a Boilermakers team that only went 1-11 in the first half against three. .
It wasn’t until Sasha Stefanovic got hot in the second half that the Boilers’ offense came to life. The junior continues to lead the Purdue offense, scoring 19 points and adding 4 more three points to his stats sheet for the year. Trevion Williams assisted with 17 ineffective points on 15 shots, but continues to be Painter’s best game creator with his starting point guards, the big man only racked up 2 assists but consistently put in place his teammates while holding the boards by grabbing 11 of them.
Jaden Ivey and Eric Hunter Jr. remain to watch from behind the scenes as the Boilers struggle without a natural point guard to lead the attack. Their size and defense would be as welcome as their dribbling.
Isaiah Thompson had a great second half after struggling in the first. He finished with 14 points and went to the career-high line 12 times.
Hot Shooting Brandon Newman had his first off-night, scoring just 2 points on the line, and missing all 5 shots from the field. He was in trouble very early on and never picked up a pace.
Big man sensation Zach Edey also struggled, failing to score in double digits for the first time. His 6 points and 1 rebound are the two lowest of the season, and he was also the victim of an early whistle attack. The real freshman is still learning the game, but his emphatic second-half dunk and foul was as electric as the Boilers had the whole game.
It will be a season of adjustment. Purdue hopes to regain his health and learn not to rely on the energy of a normally full Mackey. But before they have another chance, they will have to return to Florida to face Miami (Florida) next Tuesday.
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