Quotes That Matter: Matt Painter’s Concerns Following Purdue’s 76-53 Loss to No. 4 UConn
Shooting struggles and missed details
Purdue shot below 39% from the field and made just two of its 25 attempts from three-point range. UConn’s defense contributed to the difficulty, though Purdue also missed open shots.
The Boilermakers were outrebounded 40-34 and had 13 turnovers, compared with 11 for UConn. Painter said teams must find other ways to compete when shots are not falling, and acknowledged Purdue was not yet doing that well enough.
New roles bring a test
Purdue has several players taking on different responsibilities after losing four starters from last season’s Elite Eight team. C.J. Cox stood out against UConn with 18 points, seven rebounds and a 7-of-14 shooting performance.
Painter said players who had hoped for more playing time received opportunities in the exhibition, but he wanted more from them. Freshmen Luke Ertel, Jacob Webber and Antione West Jr. were among those facing an early test.
Painter wants more physical play
Painter said Purdue needs to be more physical, particularly in the frontcourt, and improve its rebounding. Caden Pierce led the team’s big men with seven rebounds, while guards also collected boards.
Seven-foot-four center Daniel Jacobsen had seven points, four blocks and three rebounds. Painter said Jacobsen should get more interior touches, especially when Purdue’s three-point shooting is struggling; the team now turns its attention to No. 15 Gonzaga in Las Vegas.
Key points
- Purdue made two of 25 three-point attempts in the 76-53 defeat.
- UConn outrebounded Purdue 40-34, and Purdue committed 13 turnovers.
- C.J. Cox led Purdue with 18 points and seven rebounds.
- Painter said Jacobsen needs more touches in the post.