Takeaways: Purdue's win over Northern Kentucky
Our post-game analysis following third-ranked 14th-ranked Purdue’s 72-50 win over Northern Kentucky.
PDF: Purdue-Northern Kentucky box score
THE BIGGEST CONCERN
Daniel Jacobsen‘s injury, the extent unknown, does sort of overshadow this expected result, as the freshman center went down with a “lower leg” injury a minute into the game. He was helped off the floor, went right to the training room and later came back to the bench with crutches.
Obviously, Jacobsen is a big part of Purdue’s present, but may be an even bigger part of Purdue’s not-so-distant future, meaning later this season. His improvement now means as much later than in the present.
Purdue will cross its finger for good news.
If Jacobsen misses games, Purdue does have options at center in Will Berg, Raleigh Burgess and Caleb Furst, all of whom did good things vs. Northern Kentucky, but no one has the up-side nor the sheer dimensions of Jacobsen, obviously.
There’s also the continued possibility of Trey Kaufman-Renn playing some 5, which hasn’t really happened yet enough though there’s not all that much difference between how he plays on offense at the 4 vs. the 5.
Berg’s physicality and rebounding proficiency really showed up Friday night; so did Burgess’ distinct energy.
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OFFENSIVE SOLUTIONS
Purdue doesn’t see much zone nor can it replicate it in practice particularly well. Its strong offensive start suggested solid preparation, but things bogged down a bit late in the first half. It flipped to open the second half, as Purdue executed its opening play perfectly for a Fletcher Loyer three and Braden Smith then picked things apart thereafter.
Purdue again turned the ball over more than it would have liked, but that was just sloppiness.
Smith, Loyer and even the freshman guards, for the most part, made the right plays, made the right decisions. They did a good job knowing when to shoot the three and when to attack with the dribble and play inside-out. Kaufman-Renn continues to do everything right as a passer.
Purdue’s not there yet, but this can be a really good offensive team.
Loyer is off to a great start.
YOUTHFUL EXUBERANCE
There’s no Lance Jones on this team, but freshmen Burgess, Gicarri Harris and CJ Cox are all real live wires with their collective energy, tenacity, charisma, toughness and hustle.
This stuff really matters, especially from reserves, and especially from freshmen who may have mistakes to overcome.
They’re all going to be fan favorites.
