West Lafayette,IN
Mackey Arena
Continuing the tradition of the Big Ten versus the ACC Challenge, 4-3 Purdue Boilermakers hosted the defending NCAA National Champion and 7-0 #5 Virginia. Purdue didn’t open up the season with lots of hype surrounding them as they have the past few years, due to the loss of some very key players graduating or going on to the NBA. Haarms being the standout to remain with the team from last year.
Purdue opened the game with lots of energy, and came out running. Scoring on quick transition baskets, and not needing much of the shot clock when they did set up and run plays. The Boilermakers had Virginia on their heels much of the first half. Purdue’s defense had Virginia on an early scoring drought allowing the Boilermakers to take an early big lead. At one point in the first half, Purdue led the Cavaliers 26-9 with 4 minutes left in the half. The Boilermakers closed out the half with a 32-17 lead.
For the second half, Purdue started off just as hot and moved the ball at the same pace as they did in the first half. Early on in the second, the Boilermakers had pushed the lead to 22 points. Haarms has had a huge impact on this game causing the Cavs to limit their attempts in the paint. On the offensive end Haarms has made shots in the paint and stretched the offense out and made shots from beyond 15 feet. Purdue never slowed down and Virginia just couldn’t get the ball to drop in the basket. Final score of the game was 69-40. Purdue’s Stefano and Proctor led the team in scoring with 20 and 16 points followed by Haarms with 11 points.
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