Purdue wins B1G Ten Men’s title by three games with win

Purdue Overcomes Illini second half charge 76 to 71

by: Steven Stremming

photos by: Anthony Harper

The game started out fast for the homestanding Boilermakers as they scored consistently from the shooting of Valparaiso, Indiana Junior, Brandon Newman and Westfield, Indiana freshmen Braden Smith.

     

Photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network

After Toronto, Ontario Junior Zach Edey picked up his second foul, Purdue went on a run that opened up a 47 to 26 halftime lead. During that time, Newman, Smith and Sellersburg, Indiana redshirt freshman Trey Kaufman-Renn all had signature moments for each of them.

Photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network

After the half, well a different story, as the Illini came out with a suffocating press that gave Purdue troubles and the Illini picked up their scoring behind the play of fifth-year senior, Houston, Texas’ Matthew Mayer, Chicago, Illinois senior Terrence Shannon, Jr., Canton, Ohio freshman Sencire Harris and Fort Wayne, Indiana (Homestead H.S.) sophomore Luke Goode.

Photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network

     

Photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network

Sacramento, California junior Coleman Hawkins played a solid game for the Illini, in fact, he brought the ball down the court for the Illini. Hawkins would score six points and a game high six assists.

The game ended with the Illini outscoring Purdue 45 to 29 in the second half.

Purdue committed 23 turnovers to the Illini’s 20.

Purdue outscored the Illini in the paint 36 to 32 thanks mainly to Zach Edey.

The Illini shot 40% percent in the first half of the game and a impressive 56% percent in the second.

Purdue would shot a whopping 62,1% in their first half and 29.2% in the final stanza.

Purdue was led by Newman’s 19 points, six rebounds, a team leading five assists and three steals, Braden Smith chipped in with 15 points, three assists and only two turnovers in over 31 minutes on the floor. The probable National Player of the Year, Edey scored 17 points, claimed six rebounds and assisted on two field goals.

Trey Kaufman-Renn added eight points in twelve minutes of play.

The Illini had four players in double figures as Mayer scored 17, Shannon 13, Harris 11 and Goode 10.

   

Photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network

Next up for both teams, the B1G Ten Men’s conference championships.