Purdue drops second straight on the road
By JAMES HOWELL, Jr.
ISL Purdue Writer
The Purdue Boilermakers may be closest to the bubble that they ever have been after dropping a second consecutive Big Ten road game on Wednesday night in East Lansing. After leading by as many as nine points in the first half, the Boilermakers caved and lost 72-66.
The game came down to a 10-minute span to open the second half. With a three-point halftime lead, the Boilermakers gave up an 18-4 run. Michigan State was able to easily cruise home from there, despite shaky free throw shooting throughout the night.
”You have to give Michigan State credit,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said. ”I thought they were mentally and physically tougher than us in the second half.”
Despite the loss, the Boilermakers finished with three players in double figures. Kendall Stephens finished the game 5 for 8 shooting from long range to score 16 points, Dakota Mathias scored 12 points and Jon Octeus added 11.
The Spartans were led by an astounding 27 points from senior Travis Trice. He matched a career high with the output in celebration of his Senior Night.
Purdue will look to bounce back on its Senior Night against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Mackey Arena on Sat. March 7. Tip is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Follow James on Twitter @jrhowell92
