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Purdue went to West Virginia for its first (and only) shot at a true road win before Big Ten play begins and came out victorious. Several times already this season the Boilers have faced tests and left fans (and coaches) unimpressed, so it was great to see Purdue pass its first road test.
In securing the win, Purdue showed more composure than it had at any time so far this season. Purdue led at the half, something that had been followed with less-than-stellar second halves against "big name" teams this season. Instead, the Boilers did the things they had to do to win, including not giving up the lead despite things like AJ Hammons sitting on the bench late in the game with foul trouble.
Hammons finished with a season-high 12 rebounds and four blocks to go with his four points. Even more importantly is he simply dominated the lane when he was in the game, just effecting West Virginia's attack.
The Brothers Johnson led Purdue in scoring, with Terone going for 20 points and Ronnie dropping 14. Kendall Stephens and Sterling Carter both were able to get their long-balls going when they needed to, combining for four 3s.
Purdue outrebounded the Mountaineers 45-38 and had 11 assists on 25 field goals.
Purdue used yet another different starting lineup, its seventh of the season, with Raphael Davis and Travis Carroll starting alongside Basil Smotherman and the Brothers Johnson.