No. 21 Purdue spends little energy in routing Valparaiso

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. — The Purdue Boilermakers don't spend too much time worrying about the college basketball landscape. That doesn't mean they're oblivious to games played outside of Mackey Arena.

Ball State's upset of No. 9 Notre Dame earlier this week earned Purdue's undivided attention. So, when an undefeated Valparaiso arrived on Thursday night, the 21st-ranked Boilermakers (9-2) avoided becoming the latest victim to suffer an upset loss by smothering the Crusaders with aggressive defense and fast-paced offense on the way to an 80-50 win.

The Crusaders (8-1) were giving the Boilermakers fits through the first 10 minutes, even leading the game early on. But Purdue had other plans.

The Boilermakers held a 15-12 lead with 8 minutes remaining in the first half when Carsen Edwards' fastbreak layup ignited a 21-4 run over the rest of the half.

Before Thursday night's game, Purdue coach Matt Painter gave his team the final box scores to the Oklahoma vs. Ball State game where Ball State lost by 40, then handed his players the final box score to the Notre Dame vs. Ball State game where Ball State pulled off the upset by two points.

Painter's message was clear: upsets can happen — don't overlook your opponent.

The Boilermakers opened the second half with an 8-2 run and led by as many as 32 points during the final 20 minutes. Purdue shot 45 percent (28 of 62) with 16 of its 28 field goals coming by way of an assist.