Purdue’s basketball team faced unexpected resistance in its 92-62 exhibition win over Purdue Fort Wayne on Thursday, revealing early-season flaws ahead of a tougher test against UConn on Tuesday. The Mastodons pushed the Boilermakers hard in the first half, forcing turnovers and applying pressure that disrupted Purdue’s rhythm, which left coach Matt Painter and his players with plenty to consider.
Purdue started slow, allowing Purdue Fort Wayne a 7-0 run early and falling behind in communication and defense. At the second media timeout, Purdue had managed only 13 points and committed three turnovers. “Their aggressiveness, their pressure bothered a couple guys,” Painter said. “We had a couple careless turnovers.” Unlike their 32-point win over Ball State on Sunday, when Purdue controlled the game comfortably, this contest required adjustments.
Guard C.J. Cox acknowledged the team’s sluggish start, pointing to miscommunications and defensive lapses as key problems. “In the second half after talking in the locker room, we definitely cleaned that up, did a lot more talking, executing on offense, communicating more on defense,” Cox said. The Boilermakers pulled away with an 11-3 run to close the first half, but the early struggles raised questions about how the team will handle pressure from stronger opponents.
Purdue’s exhibition strategy this season benefits from a new NCAA rule allowing three games instead of two. The Boilermakers scheduled a home opener, a road game against a mid-major, and a final exhibition against a top-level program. The progression culminates with their regular season opener against Gonzaga on November 2.
Painter has often noted the value of challenging road exhibitions to prepare his team for the regular season. Though Purdue was never in danger of losing against Purdue Fort Wayne, the first half resembled the kind of adversity that can be instructive. “Games get real tight, now all of a sudden you’re going to go to the guys. You’re going to play C.J. Cox 35 minutes. That’s not the purpose here. The purpose is for all of us to play. The purpose is for us to get some experience,” Painter said, highlighting that the team returns only one starter and is still adjusting to new personnel.
Purdue’s coaches do not scout exhibition opponents, which Cox said leaves the team “going in blind.” This approach, combined with sharing minutes and testing various lineups, aims to build depth and identify combinations for the season. The Boilermakers’ depth showed promise on Thursday, as the team diversified its lineups and maintained control despite early struggles.
The Mastodons’ challenge exposed some areas that Purdue still needs to work on, including guarding without fouling and avoiding careless turnovers. But it also showed strengths. Purdue’s capacity to rebound and crash the offensive boards stood out, giving them second-chance opportunities. The Boilermakers’ ability to shoot from beyond the arc remains a weapon, though they are not dependent solely on outside shooting.
Purdue Fort Wayne coach Jon Coffman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to face a program like Purdue, noting that his team gained valuable experience. The game served both sides: the Mastodons learned what it takes at a higher level, while Purdue tested its resilience and adaptability under pressure.
The Boilermakers face UConn on Tuesday, October 27, a matchup that will demand tighter defense and better ball control. Painter’s team now knows that relying on shooting alone won’t be enough against tougher opponents. The Fort Wayne game offered a warning and a lesson as Purdue builds toward the regular season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
