Boilers turn back Illinois State for first win
Written by: P.E. Gable / Excel H Sports
After opening the season 0-2 for the first time since the mid 1970s and looking to avoid the program’s first 0-3 start since the 1950-51 season, the Purdue University men’s basketball team picked up a much-needed win Monday evening, dispatching Illinois State, 76-59 at Mackey Arena.
The final result, however, was in question despite the Boilermakers holding a 36-28 halftime edge and controlling the game for the most part.
With nine minutes left in the second half, Purdue held a 50-48 lead and went on a 21-2 run to put the game away, limiting the Redbirds (1-2) on the offensive side by forcing turnovers and controlling the glass. Sophomore guard Jack Benter (Brownstown, IN) got the run going with a pair of free throws, a steal and a made three to push the Boilermakers to a seven-point lead.
“Thought our guys defended and played hard. We have a long way to go, but we are making strides,” Purdue head coach Matt Painter told the media after the game.
Looking to change things up and get a spark from his team, Painter inserted redshirt freshman Antione West (Toledo, OH) and Benter into the starting lineup in place of Omer Mayer and Gicarri Harris, and the two obliged. Benter (14 points) and West (17 points) combined for 31 points and seven total rebounds. West hit three three pointers, including one right before the buzzer at the half that gave Purdue plenty of momentum heading into the locker rooms.
The new starting line-up paid dividends immediately, as Purdue came out hot, making eight of its first 10 shots from the field.
Painter said it was Benter’s ability to pass that earned him the starting nod.
“He’s very versatile in terms of handling the ball, being able to pass the basketball, stretch the basketball, make shots. He made that one pull jumper. Obviously, he made two threes. Got in a little bit of foul trouble in the first half and had to bring him out, but he’s a good player. He’s got to be out there more for us just because he brings some things that other guys don’t bring,” Painter said of the former Brownstown Central standout.
In the game, Purdue shot 56.5 percent from the field and made 8-of-19 three pointers.
For the third straight game, junior center Daniel Jacobson (Chicago, IL) led the way for the Boilermakers, scoring 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting and ripping down seven rebounds. The other scorer in double figures was junior guard C.J. Cox (Lexington, Mass.), who finished with 10 points.
Purdue will be back in action Friday, hosting Ohio for a 7 p.m. tip at Mackey Arena. The Bobcats enter 2-0 with wins over South Alabama and North Carolina A&T.
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