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INDIANAPOLIS — Whatever Purdue lacked at Miami not all that long ago, the Boilermakers have apparently found.
Especially the older ones.
Four games after Purdue crashed and burned in the second half in Coral Gables, prompting a post-game call-out from Coach Matt Painter, Boilermaker upperclassmen Eric Hunter, Trevion Williams and Sasha Stefanovic each loomed especially large during their team's 88-78 win Saturday at the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
"All those guys have provided leadership through action (since Miami)," Painter said, "and we need that."
Hunter was this game's most Influential player, in total command offensively, to the tune of 18 points and eight assists, with no turnovers. He made numerous big shots in important moments and level-headed plays as the Boilermakers sat on a robust late lead. On defense, he led a defensive effort that held Irish leading scorer Prentiss Hubb without a single point. He came in averaging 19 of 'em.
Williams went for 14 points and chipped in seven rebounds to a dominant Purdue showing on the glass. He helped close the game out with a string of baskets in the fina five minutes that effectively ended Notre Dame's chances for a game-stealing surge at the end.
And Sasha Stefanovic chipped in five of Purdue's 14 threes — the Boilermakers were 14-of-28 from long range after a red-hot start — and matched Hunter's team-high 18 points.
"All three games (since Miami), they're all solid to great," Painter said of Hunter, Stefanovic, Williams and classmate Aaron Wheeler, "and that's what we need."
In large part because of it, Purdue has strung together some success, with Its two best wins of the season, first a hard-fought Big Ten win over Ohio State, then this shootout over the Fighting Irish.
The juniors led the way, but a lot went into this most recent victory at an event where Purdue has historically struggled.
This could have been Miami all over again, even though Painter would tell you the comparison is a bad one because Purdue didn't struggle offensively against the Irish at all, let alone as it did vs. the Hurricanes.
Still, a 15-point first half lead got away, thanks in part to foul trouble for both of Purdue's big men to end the first half, and issues for the Boilermakers keeping ND off the foul line.
With 14-and-a-half minutes left, Notre Dame tied the game at 53-all following back-to-back threes by Nikola Djogo.
Then, Eric Hunter made a three and Stefanovic drew a foul and made a free throw. Mason Gillis' three-pointer found its way through and Williams hit a cutting Stefanovic for a layup.
The 9-0 Purdue response gave the Boilermakers the lead for good, the older players again leading that charge.
"Maybe last year we would have wilted in that situation," Stefanovic said, "and not responded the way we did today."
GOOD ON OFFENSE AGAIN
Notre Dame may not be the most formidable defensive team in college basketball, but came in well tested, having already played Michigan State, Duke, Kentucky and Ohio State.
The Irish were no match early for Purdue, as the Boilermakers rained threes and enjoyed pristine efficiency from Its big men en route to that 15-point lead with three minutes to go In the half.
The key to the offensive surge had a lot to do with the Boilermakers' 5-of-7 three-point shooting to start, but in the bigger picture, more to do with them not turning the ball over through seven minutes and finishing the game with only six. Notre Dame scored only five points off turnovers, as the Boilermakers did away almost completely with live-ball giveaways.
"We didn't have any turnovers today from our guards," Painter said. "That's quite an accomplishment."
The results — 88 points on near-50-percent shooting and a win — reflect it.
"It's about trusting each other, passing and catching," Hunter said. "It's that simple.
"If we keep taking care of the basketball, how good we are on offense will show."
GILLIS COMES UP BIG
While the older players starred, redshirt freshman Mason Gillis' influence on this outcome can't be overstated.
It wasn't just the 12 points and nine rebounds — career highs, both of them — but the how and when behind them.
One of Purdue's energy sparks, Gillis' rebounding and defense were Important elements to the win over the Irish, as was his tenacity.
To open the second half, after Notre Dame had closed the first on a 10-0 run, Hunter jumped a passing lane for a steal, but couldn't convert the run-out. Gillis followed closely, though, and netted the putback, as he did again two minutes later when Hunter missed a three.
Those plays were essential in Purdue stopping Notre Dame runs and ultimately seizing control.
"I really just wanted to come out for the the second half with energy," Gillis said. "They kind of had a little bit of a spurt there at the end of the first half. And me and Trey and the big guys, we kind of talked about it and just wanted to kind of get them off the boards. Not that they're ever really beating us, but we just wanted to put them away in that area."
It was one of many areas that added up to a win in Purdue's non-conference finale.
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