FORT WAYNE — Purdue men's basketball took its exhibition prep on the road Thursday, winning 92-62 over Fort Wayne at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
With over 10,000 in attendance, the Boilermakers won behind 16 points from Antione West Jr. and 13 from C.J. Cox. Purdue wraps up its exhibitions with another road trip Tuesday to UConn.
Here are three things that stood out.
Purdue basketball's 3-point shooting, ball movement on display again
Purdue shot 39.4% from 3 while putting up 33 attempts. That's especially impressive if you saw the ones they missed. Must have been the unfamiliar deep sight lines behind the basket at the Coliseum, and several players were affected.
While some of those shots were uncharacteristically ugly, they came in rhythm and as the result of the good ball movement displayed in the first exhibition against Ball State. With Caden Pierce and Jack Benter taking on point forward duties, the array of strong decision-makers and talented passers shows up in every lineup combination.
Purdue put up 40 3-point attempts against the Cardinals. For a stretch Thursday it made a priority to get the ball inside to Jacobsen, then capitalized on a sagging defense. Daniel Jacobsen later reminded what role he can play in that ball movement when he fed Pierce for a dunk from the high post.
Insider: Purdue basketball's 7-foot-4 shot-swatting center is stronger and ready for larger role
Purdue basketball still feeling out its defensive upside
The Boilermakers may be striving for the full extent of their defensive upside for a while. The upside sure seems real, though, pending some adjustments. When they forced Fort Wayne to take jump shots, the Mastodons could not capitalize. Yet they also gave up too many dribble drives, especially early in the game.
The tough lineup decisions Matt Painter must make as the season progresses may have a relatively easy tiebreaking factor. The offensive talent position-by-position often comes out as a wash. Who emerges as the most consistent and reliable defensive options?
Newcomer: How this prized transfer is making mark on Purdue basketball team still growing
How did Purdue basketball rebound in its second exhibition?
The rebounding numbers will remain front of mind for a while − perhaps all season. Both exhibitions have been largely positive in that area. Purdue went deep into Thursday's game before allowing its first offensive rebound. By contrast it was insanely efficient on the offensive glass. It turned its first three offensive boards into eight points, and 20 points on 12 overall.
Benter led with 10 rebounds − including three on offense. Both he and Pierce play games built on a combination of smarts and hustle, elements which could make both a second-chance factor all season.
Nathan Baird and Sam King have the best Purdue sports coverage, and sign up for IndyStar's Boilermakers newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 3 things that stood out from Purdue basketball exhibition win in Fort Wayne