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The games are real now, and Purdue’s pursuit of a world championship started off strong as five players were in double figures this morning in an 89-76 win over Argentina in the first game of the World University Games. The five in double figures were the expected five too.
Carsen Edwards led Purdue with 17 points, but he had a great all-around game with five steals, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds. Dakota Mathias was next with 16 points that included four threes. Overall Purdue still struggled to shoot the three, going just 9 of 32 from long range.
Vince Edwards was solid with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. P.J. Thompson had 13 points and 4 assists. Isaac Haas had 11 points and 8 rebounds.
Purdue led 26-14 after a quarter and was up by 22 going into the 4th quarter before the Argentinians made a bit of a comeback. They forced 21 turnovers, which is definitely a concern. Purdue dominated the glass though with a 47-35 edge. Jacquil Taylor had 8 rebounds to go with 5 points.
Among the newcomers, Nojel Eastern had 6 points and 4 assists, but he also had 4 turnovers.
Purdue has a short turnaround, as it will play the United Arab Emirates at 3AM ET. UAE lost to Estonia 97-52 earlier today, so Purdue should roll.