Purdue 69 Davidson 61 | Game Wrap

The Boilers improved to 11-0 with a 69-61 win over Davidson in the first Indy Classic. Zach Edey led the way for Purdue with 29 points and 16 rebounds.

In the first half Purdue ran out to a quick 11-2 lead but struggled the rest of the half shooting just 2-14 behind the arc and getting outscored 17-25 in the final 14 minutes of the half.

Purdue’s struggles continued into the second half where they couldn’t quite string together any runs to pull away from Davidson. At the 4 minute mark Purdue was able to stretch their lead to 7 off a set of Loyer free throws but gave up an ‘And 1’ basket on Davidson’s next trip. Purdue ended the game shooting just 3-25 (12%) from behind the arc but went 28-37 from the free throw line.

Purdue has now had two games in a row where they have struggled offensively to effectively make the opponent pay when doubling inside on Edey. In those games Purdue has shot a combined 10-54 from behind the arc which will not get it done in most games. Had Purdue shot to their average of roughly 33% in those games, there would be no concern as the Boilers work their way toward the conference season. Instead, Matt Painter will look to get his shooters back on track to hitting the open shots that are being presented due to Edey’s continuation of domination so far this season.

On the other hand, Purdue showed it could handle a very good offensive team in Davidson by limiting the two best players they had in Loyer (19.5) and Mennenga (16.4) below their season averages heading into the game. The Boilers also forced them into shooting just 7-25 from behind the arc and forcing 21 fouls on a team that only goes 6-7 players deep.

Purdue will take on New Orleans at Mackey Arena on December 21st which will be the first time ever Mackey Arena has enjoyed hosting the Boilers as the #1 team in the country.