Brunt: Don’t worry about Purdue’s 70-65 loss to Bucknell

Cliff November 10, 2012 0

By CLIFF BRUNT
ISL Correspondent

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue fans, don’t worry yet.

The Boilermakers’ 70-65 season-opening loss to Bucknell on Friday night was a product of a lot of odd circumstances coming together at the wrong time.

Purdue, which started two freshmen and played five, opened the season against a team that won the Patriot League last year, had four regular starters back and features one of the better posts in the country in Mike Muscala, last yeat’s Patriot League Player of the Year.

The Boilers also were without Terone Johnson, who led the Boilermakers in scoring in exhibition play. He sat out with an ankle injury.

Through all that, Purdue had a chance. D.J. Byrd missed an open 3-pointer in the closing seconds that would have tied the game.

Purdue is still figuring things out. Don’t look at the final score. Look at the talent. Ronnie Johnson is a game-changer who just needs to be reined in a bit. But didn’t we say the same thing about E’Twaun Moore? Anthony Johnson looks more confident out there. Donnie Hale has nice shooting touch and led the way with 15 points. Jacob Lawson hit some nice mid-range shots and appears to have improved. The team looks quick, athletic and deep. Coach Matt Painter will have them ready by Big Ten play.

Some of the other bigs didn’t play as well as they should have, and Painter mentioned that in the postgame press conference. The good thing about it? He has lots of options, and the guys who didn’t fulfill their assignments sat in the second half.

The talent is legitimate. Even Bucknell coach Dave Paulsen said he’s glad the Bison caught the Boilermakers early.

So don’t be alarmed. The Boilermakers lost to an experienced squad that probably will play in the NCAA tournament this season. This was a good test and a reality check for the youngsters who might not have quite understood what they were walking into. Painter will have their attention at practice from this point on.

Here is my Associated Press recap of the game: