CANCUN, Mexico - Our Takeaways and Wrap Video from No. 17 Purdue's 96-71 handling of Auburn Wednesday night in the championship game of the Cancun Challenge.
WRAP VIDEO
Front-page photo of Carsen Edwards courtesy of Paul Sadler of Purdue athletics.
TAKEAWAYS
Carsen Edwards can be a difference-maker
That Carsen Edwards you saw tonight was the Carsen Edwards Purdue's been seeing up close since June, maybe better, considering how impactful the freshman has been on defense.
His 21-point eruption against Auburn probably doesn't serve as notice that this sort of game is his new baseline, but it sets a pretty high ceiling. He was outstanding against Auburn, again, beating it at its own game in some ways, but also controlled. He shot the ball extremely well, but picked his spots just as well, defended at a high level and made plays for others.
One of his best plays of the night was an assist on a screen-and-roll with Caleb Swanigan.
Everything Edwards gives Purdue, most of it's things unique to him on this roster.
He can really help this team this season if he plays anywhere near the level he did tonight more often than not.
A different Edwards
Things were bound to balance out for Vincent Edwards and they did in a big way during his 15-point, 5-for-5 second half. He's too good a player to struggle the way he's been.
Thing has been that Edwards has been taking good shots and seeing a lot of shots just rim out. Again, that was going to even out and it did. He was the game's difference-maker after halftime.
Both Edwards' ability to score off the dribble represents really important balance for Purdue offensively.
Empowered guards
Look at P.J. Thompson and Dakota Mathias lately and they put a face on the off-season theme of Purdue's guards looking to make more plays this season. Both have been aggressive and both have been very good, especially Mathias, who's playing the best, most complete basketball of his Boilermaker career.
Carsen Edwards only adds to it.
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