Things we learned: Purdue 83, Eastern Illinois 55
By CLIFF BRUNT
ISL Editor
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Things we learned during Purdue’s 83-55 win over Eastern Illinois:
Purdue’s defense is heading in the right direction.
The Boilermakers had played shaky defense this season so far, but they stepped up against the Panthers. Eastern Illinois missed its first 10 shots as Purdue took a 12-0 lead. The Panthers didn’t score for nearly seven minutes to start the game. The Boilermakers held the Panthers to 33 percent shooting overall.
“I told our guys before the game, none of you have ever been guarded the way you’re getting ready to get guarded, and I think it’s probably true,” Eastern Illinois coach Jay Spoonhour said.
Bryson Scott is becoming a key player.
Scott, a reserve freshman point guard, led Purdue with 14 points and tied for the team lead with six rebounds in just 14 minutes of action. It was his second straight game in double figures.
“I just try to go out there and play with energy I just try to bring scoring and defense and all kinds of energy off the bench,” he said.
A.J. Hammons needs to watch the foul trouble.
Hammons played just eight minutes in the first half, in part because he had two fouls. It was the second straight game that his minutes were limited. He only played 12 minutes against Rider on Sunday after he picked up two fouls in the first half.
Hammons made all three of his shots and had nine points, five rebounds and three blocks in 18 minutes against Eastern Illinois. To his credit, he did not commit a foul in the second half. The fact remains that Hammons has played only 47 minutes in three games so far, and he’s already committed seven fouls in slightly more minutes than a regulation game. For Purdue to be at its best this season, he is going to need to play about 30 minutes per game. Though he has only played 47 minutes, he has 12 blocks. Imagine what his block numbers would be if he could stay on the floor. Some of the calls against him have been questionable, but he still needs to watch out.
Ronnie Johnson continues to be efficient.
Johnson scored 10 points on 4-for-7 shooting and dropped eight assists with one turnover against Eastern Illinois.
“I thought I played like a true point guard today,” Johnson said. “I found open teammates and scored the ball when I needed to.”
For the season, he has made 21 of 35 shots (60 percent) and has 19 assists to just five turnovers. This is counter to the player he was last year, and it proves that he cares and that he’s coachable. Congrats to Ronnie on the increased maturity.
Purdue’s offense is pretty potent.
I know, the Boilermakers haven’t really played anybody yet. But Purdue shot 46 percent on Wednesday after shooting 54 percent against Central Connecticut State and 51 percent against Rider. The Boilermakers are comfortable with sharing the ball, and most everyone can score. They will be a tough to guard down the road if this continues and the young players gain confidence from efforts like these.
Free throws might be a consistent problem.
The Boilermakers made 16 of 20 in the opener against Northern Kentucky, but that fell to 14-for-24 against Central Connecticut State, 16-for-32 against Rider. The Boilermakers made 23 of 34 against Eastern Illinois (68 percent), which is decent, but not good enough to alleviate the concern.
Kendall Stephens is a big-time weapon.
Stephens hit 3-pointers at the 10:27 and 9:55 marks to push a 21-point lead to 27.
“I think our team feeds off other guys scoring, getting excited, things like that,” Stephens said. “I got the ball rolling and we were able to increase the lead a little bit more.”
Purdue coach Matt Painter said Stephens’ ability to get hot, which brings memories of Ryne Smith and D.J. Byrd, makes him valuable.
“Any time a guy can shoot the ball as well as he can, he can be a game-changer,” Painter said.
