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No. 5 Purdue basketball pulls away from Florida State in Big Ten/ACC Challenge

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – It wasn't as pretty as those three wins in the Phil Knight Legacy last weekend, but Purdue left the Tucker Center on Wednesday night with the most important element - a victory.

The fifth-ranked Boilermakers couldn't shake the Seminoles until midway through the second half, posting a 79-69 win in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge to remain unbeaten at 7-0.

Zach Edey scored 25 points, hitting 11 of 14 field goals, and Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith combined for 24 points and 11 assists. Smith also pulled down nine rebounds.

The Boilermakers took a simplified approach in the second half, using Smith and Edey to build and then maintain a lead.

"Running less stuff and played through a simple high-ball screen with Braden and we reused it a couple of times," Painter said. "Our decision-making wasn’t great in the first half and when we put the ball in his hands (Loyer). I thought we made better decisions."

Caleb Furst once again provided a lift off the bench with seven points and three rebounds.

Big liftFurst delivers energy, production in Purdue's latest marquee wins

"He should’ve played more. He’s been really good for us," Painter said. "When he was in there we were better and he deserved more minutes there at the end. I got comfortable with it, stayed with it and I shouldn’t have. He’s been great."

How it happened: Both teams delivered punches in the first half but the Boilermakers created some space with a 9-0 run, capped by Caleb Furst’s 3-pointer with 11:42 to play. It stretched the lead to 55-47 but Purdue couldn’t put away the Seminoles. A 7-2 run brought Florida State right back into the game and the Boilermakers had to fight until the final buzzer. But the two freshmen – Loyer and Smith – gave Purdue brief control in the final six minutes with a pair of layups. Smith added another layup and two free throws and the Boilermakers had their biggest lead at 65-56 with 4:58 remaining. Edey's basket also kept the lead at nine (69-60) with less than three minutes left.

Nov 30, 2022; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) is bumped by Florida State Seminoles guard Matthew Cleveland (35) during the first half at Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2022; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) is bumped by Florida State Seminoles guard Matthew Cleveland (35) during the first half at Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Why it happened: Coming off three impressive wins in Portland, this was the game where the Boilermakers were expected to struggle. The quick turnaround isn’t an excuse but a reality of the schedule. Purdue was in a fight from the opening tip against a desperate team trying to stop the bleeding from a 1-7 start, including a loss to Nebraska. Zach Edey carried the offense in the first half keeping the Boilermakers close, scoring 15 straight points during one stretch. Purdue was able to get control of its turnovers after a sloppy start, finishing with 10 after committing five in the opening minutes. The Boilermakers controlled the rebounding, holding a double-digit advantage most of the game. Furst provided another spark off the bench and was key during the 9-0 second-half spurt.

What it means: The Boilermakers were able to tough this one out, a valuable lesson as Big Ten play starts Sunday against Minnesota at Mackey Arena.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: No. 5 Purdue basketball pulls away from Florida State in Big Ten/ACC Challenge