Purdue does just enough in 66-56 win over Ball State
By CLIFF BRUNT
ISL Editor
Purdue pulled out a 66-56 win over Ball State on Tuesday night that was closer than it should have been.
The Boilermakers clearly had more talent, but they allowed the Cardinals to hang around several times in the first half when consistent play, especially on offense, might have put the game out of reach. The Boilermakers were at their best when A.J. Hammons was the focal point of the offense and he was using his size to dominate the Cardinals.
When Purdue’s shot selection went south, its lead followed. The Boilermakers (5-6) stepped up down the stretch with solid defense, and they made enough free throws to survive. They still have a chance to do some things this year, but the maturity process must accelerate.
Hammons scored 15 points, Terone Johnson scored 14 and D. J. Byrd and Ronnie Johnson had 11 each. Jesse Berry scored 22 points for Ball State and Marcus Posley added 12.
Ronnie Johnson is getting better, but he still made some poor decisions late in the game that show he’s not quite there. He drove to the basket quickly on an occasion when the Boilermakers needed to run clock, but Ball State bailed him out by fouling.
I was hoping to see a little more out of Rapheal Davis, but Painter is struggling to find a way to get him minutes. He’s also trying to figure out where Davis fits into the substitution rotation. He played nine minutes and did not score after dropping 21 in the second half against Notre Dame. I think he might be starting by season’s end and Byrd might be coming off the bench. With Hammons and Lawson on the inside, the Boilermakers can afford to play another guard. And remember, Davis is 6-foot-5, so the Boilers wouldn’t lose any size with him in the lineup.
Byrd hit some shots yesterday, which was a good sign for Purdue fans. The key? He simply stepped back. The further away from the basket you are, the more open you are. He has the range. That might be one solution for his struggles to get open looks.
Anthony Johnson had a stat line to forget. He had one point on 0-for-5 shooting, committed four fouls and had two turnovers. He’s trying a bit too hard, perhaps sensing that Davis is on his heels in terms of playing time.
All in all, it was an OK effort. For this team, a win is a win.
