Purdue rallies to beat Minnesota in Big Ten opener

By JAMES HOWELL, Jr.
ISL Purdue Writer

Purdue's Rapheal Davis (35)  defends against Minnesota's DeAndre Mathieu. Photo by Purdue Athletics.
Purdue’s Rapheal Davis (35) defends against Minnesota’s DeAndre Mathieu. Photo by Purdue Athletics.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. _  As the new year approached, Purdue created a new beginning.

The Boilermakers bounced back from three straight losses to close the non-conference season and knocked off Minnesota 72-68 Wednesday at Mackey Arena.

During the first 31 minutes, it appeared the Gophers would just be the next team to knock the Boilers down. However, Purdue caught fire and erased a 10-point deficit.

Kendall Stephens knocked down two clutch 3-pointers and A.J. Hammons used his size to his advantage to take control of the paint. Stephens scored 19 points and made 4 of 8 3-pointers, Rapheal Davis scored 18 points and made all 10 of his free throw tries and Hammons added 11 points and nine rebounds.

The physical play played a key role in enabling the Boilermakers to snap the losing skid.

Purdue's A.J. Hammons dunks against Minnesota. Photo by Purdue Athletics.
Purdue’s A.J. Hammons dunks against Minnesota. Photo by Purdue Athletics.

“They are the most physical team in our conference by far,” Golden Gophers head coach Richard Pitino said. “I’m not saying they foul, but they are just physical. They have big, strong kids to play that role. It’s the way they play. When you think Big Ten basketball, Purdue is the prototypical type team.”

The Boilermakers had found themselves in holes similar to the one they were in against the Gophers in the earlier stages of the season, but this time things were different because of clutch shooting.

“We grew up,” Davis said. “We really came together as a team. We were huddling up and talking, and not even really talking about things related. We were just keeping guys in it and keeping guys spirits high. I feel like our young guys really became men during the game. That’s big for them to grow up during the game instead of during practice.”

Boilermakers coach Matt Painter thinks it was more about veterans Stephens and Hammons doing what they need to do.

“I thought Kendall Stephens and A.J. Hammons were productive,” Painter said. “We’re just not going to win very many games when they’re not productive.”

The win boosts morale in and around the program. Now standing at 9-5 on the season, but more importantly at 1-0 in the Big Ten gives a renewed confidence in the program.

The Boilermakers’ next opponent is the struggling Michigan Wolverines. That game is set to tip at 2:15 p.m. on Jan. 3.

Follow James Howell, Jr. on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jrhowell92.

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