A Little Moore: E’Twaun’s 26 Points Power Purdue Past Oakland
West Lafayette, IN, United States (AHN) – Purdue seniors E’Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson combined for 51-points in the Boilermakers 82-67 win over Oakland, Sunday, in the first game of the Chicago Invitational Challenge.
It was the first true test of the season for the ninth-ranked team in the country.
Oakland jumped out to an early nine-point lead, before Purdue began chipping away.
Matt Painter’s team took a four-point lead into the half. Led by Johnson’s 25-points and 11 rebounds and Moore’s game-high 26-points, the Boilers pulled away for their third straight win.
“It was a great win, no question. They [Oakland] are an NCAA tournament team,” said Painter. “They can not only get in the NCAA tournament, they can get in the NCAA tournament and beat people.”
Purdue took command with efficient outside shooting.
They shot 11-25 from beyond the arc and the Boilermakers bench outscored Oakland’s 31-4.
“Tonight was a challenge for us and we knew that going in. I didn’t think we had a very good focus to start the game,” said Painter. “It was definitely a game for them to knock us off the way they started the game, but anytime you get into a competitive battle early in the year, whether you win or lose, I think it answers some questions about your team.”
The Grizzlies were powered by Keith Benson, who was named to the preseason Naismith Watch List.
He scored 16-points and grabbed 14-rebounds, battling fellow Naismith Watch List member, Johnson all night.
“Any time you get to go against a big named player like Benson, you are definitely up for the challenge,” said Johnson.
Oakland head coach Greg Kampe said his star big-man and Johnson both played well and essentially “cancelled each other out.”
He was most impressed by the play of Purdue’s other star senior, E’Twaun Moore.
“I’ve got to give that kid all the credit in the world, he played an unbelievable game,” said Kampe. “E’Twaun Moore is an All-American and he proved it tonight. I think that team could have been in real trouble if he didn’t show up.”
Moore is now tied with Brian Cardinal for 14th on the Boilermakers all-time scoring list.
Purdue will try to stay undefeated at home Tuesday against Austin Peay in the second game of the Challenge.
Oakland (1-2) will face Wright State. It will be the fourth straight road game for the Grizzlies.
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