The Minnesota Golden Gophers couldn't withstand a first half three-point barrage from the Purdue Boilermakers or a second half assault by Lewis Jackson. The 5'9" point guard struggled through back spasms to lead the Boilermakers with 20 points and four assists while D.J. Byrd had a career high 18 off the bench in a 79-66 Purdue win. Minnesota is now at 0-4 in the Big Ten at the bottom of the standings.
The Boilermakers rode 10 of 12 shooting from long range in the first half to build a 47-32 halftime lead. Purdue had scored only 45 points total in their last game, an ugly 65-45 loss at Penn State on Thursday. The Golden Gophers were able to cut the lead to seven late, but Jackson's controlled dives to the basket were unstoppable for Purdue.
Rodney Williams had a huge night for Minnesota with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Joe Coleman had 14 and Chip Armelin had 12. Ralph Sampson III was held to just two points and three rebounds in 13 minutes as Purdue kept the big man in check throughout.
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