WEST LAFAYETTE — Matt Painter decided to switch things up.
Altering from Purdue basketball‘s run of starting 7-footers, the Boilermakers went small Saturday against Marshall.
In doing so, he got the desired result.
Purdue raced out to a big lead early and never looked back, dismantling Thundering Herd 80-45 at Mackey Arena.
Purdue basketball turning point
About that starting lineup.
Insert Myles Colvin and Cam Heide, who started alongside Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn.
It was the first career start for both Colvin and Heide who came out engaged from the get-go.
Heide made three 3-pointers in the first 6:15 and Colvin scored seven points in the first 3:33. By the time Heide made his third triple, Purdue led 20-10, with 18 of those points coming from Heide and Colvin.
Braden Smith hits milestone
Purdue junior point guard Braden Smith was held scoreless, attempting just four shots.
His nine assists give him 501 for his career.
Smith achieved 500 assists in 80 career games, which is the third fastest in Big Ten history.
3 stars
Cam Heide, Purdue: The redshirt sophomore hit double digits for the first time this season, scoring all 13 of his points in the first half, which got Purdue off to the start it needed. He finished a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free throw line.
Myles Colvin, Purdue: Colvin opened the season with 14 points, establishing himself as a shot-maker off the bench. Since, it’s been his defense and rebounding that earned him playing time. Saturday afternoon, Colvin was a force on both ends, finishing with 13 points on 4 of 6 shooting to go with two rebounds and a steal.
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue: While new stars emerged, the redshirt junior, starting at center, was steady again. He totaled 18 points on 7 of 12 shooting.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
