A.J. Hammons returns as Purdue defeats Incarnate Word
By KEITH CARRELL
ISL Correspondent
A.J. Hammons played for the first time this season Wednesday night after sitting the first two games and the exhibitions. He had eight points, six rebounds, and three blocks in 15 minutes in his season debut, and helped Purdue defeat Incarnate Word 96-61.
The 7-foot center came off the bench and immediately made an impact on the offensive end by grabbing a rebound and scoring a layup. There was concern as to whether he’d play sluggishly or uncommitted, especially off the bench, but he quickly erased those doubts by being engaged in the game. When asked about having to sit out, Hammons mentioned that “it was tough” and that he “was mad” that he was not playing with his teammates.
Here are the highlights, from Purdue Athletics:
See all the highlights from last night’s win here: https://t.co/D5BZdQhE7l #BoilerUp
— Purdue Basketball (@BoilerBall) November 19, 2015
Painter said Hammons did a good job, “but (Isaac) Haas was the best player tonight.” Haas had one of his best games as a Boilermaker earning his second double-double of the season with 17 points (including 7-8 from the free throw line) and twelve rebounds, but he also led the team with four blocked shots.
Haas looked very athletic, intelligent, and natural on the court, even in an area that he isn’t necessarily known for — blocking shots. When asked what has helped him improve his ability to block shots, Haas pointed to Hammons and mentioned that he “put in a lot of work over the summer [and] by losing a lot of weight [he was] able to jump quicker and make a play on the ball.”
Haas and Hammons both stood out, but Purdue had its struggles. The Boilermakers got off to a strong start, driving the ball inside the arc and either to the lane or pulled up for mid-range jumpers. Rapheal Davis and Vince Edwards especially were able to make their presence felt early with the mid-range game, but the ease of the game quickly faded as Incarnate Word kept the score close early by knocking down multiple three pointers.
Ultimately, even with Purdue playing a sloppy game on both ends of the court and one in which they turned the ball over 22 times, the size advantage was enough to propel the Boilermakers to a win. Purdue blocked 13 shots and outrebounded the Cardinals 60-21 (including rebounding 7 of Purdue’s 8 misses in the first half) to help secure the victory.
The worst stretch for Purdue was once the game was out of reach, but the regular rotation was still playing, as it committed multiple turnovers at one point in roughly four minutes between the under-8 and under-4 minute media timeouts in the second half.
Also noticeable during the game was that Basil Smotherman, a previously announced redshirt for this season, had a cast on his right hand. When asked about the injury, Painter had no specifics, but confirmed that the injury occurred Wednesday and that Smotherman “hurt his hand” and that “he broke something.”
Quick Hits:
Purdue had 23 assists on 34 made field goals … Prior to the under-8 media timeout in the 2nd half, Purdue was shooting 67% FG and 87% 3PT… Purdue finished the game shooting 60% FG, 43% 3PT, and 86% FT… Purdue allowed Incarnate Word sharpshooter, Kyle Hittle, to go 5-6 from three… The next two Purdue games will be in Connecticut as part of the Hall of Fame Tip-off Tournament against Old Dominionon Saturday and either Florida or Saint Joseph’s Sunday.
Here are the postgame interviews, courtesy of Purdue Athletics:
Hear from the Boilermakers after tonight’s 96-61 win over Incarnate Word. #RememberTheName https://t.co/VNSGKXFMMI
— Purdue Basketball (@BoilerBall) November 19, 2015
