In a clash that saw Purdue dominate Indiana, the Boilermakers secured a commanding 93-64 victory at Mackey Arena. Let’s break down the key factors that shaped this game.
First Half Struggles
Indiana found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing 46-29 at halftime. The Hoosiers' offense was stuck in neutral for the first 12 minutes, managing just 5 of 14 from the field and committing four costly turnovers.
The stagnant offense struggled to find rhythm, often settling for desperation shots late in the shot clock. It took time for Indiana to realize that dribble penetration and smart cuts to the basket were their best options against Purdue’s defense.
Defensive Woes
On the defensive end, Indiana had no answers for Purdue’s efficient attack. The Boilermakers shot an impressive 64.7% from the field, with their accuracy climbing to 66.7% in the second half.
Trey Kaufman-Renn was a thorn in Indiana’s side, whether they doubled him or played him straight up. He racked up 20 points and facilitated well, contributing to Purdue’s 24 assists against a mere seven turnovers.
The Boilermakers also connected on 10 of 18 from beyond the arc, showcasing their offensive versatility.
Lamar Wilkerson’s Quiet Night
Indiana’s Lamar Wilkerson, who entered the game averaging a Big Ten-leading 24.2 points per game, struggled to find his groove. He didn’t score from the field until midway through the second half, when the game was already slipping away.
Wilkerson eventually tallied 20 points, but his late surge came too little, too late. Indiana’s struggles from three-point range were evident, with just eight attempts in the first half and 20 overall, well below their season average of 29.4 attempts.
In summary, Purdue’s offensive prowess and Indiana’s early struggles set the tone for this lopsided affair. As the Hoosiers regroup, they’ll need to address these issues to bounce back in future matchups.