Purdue basketball season opening win Samford

Purdue dominates Samford 98-45 in season opener with strong defense and 3-point shooting. Braden Smith, Zach Edey, and Cam Heide stand out.

The Purdue Boilermakers, ranked third, had an impressive start to their season, dominating Samford 98-45 at Mackey Arena. The team's strong defense and outside shooting allowed them to take an early lead and secure a comfortable victory.

Last season, the Boilermakers struggled with their outside shooting, but in this game, they showcased their improvement with 3-pointers from seven different players. By the end of the game, Purdue had an impressive 55.2% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, making 16 of 29 attempts.

Samford, a team that won 21 games last year, was unable to keep up with Purdue's hot start. They missed their first 10 shots and quickly fell behind 21-1. Despite their efforts, they were unable to match Purdue's strong performance.

Several players stood out for the Boilermakers in this game. Freshman Braden Smith, who had been hesitant to shoot in the past, showed newfound confidence and efficiency, making his first four 3-point attempts and finishing the game with 12 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Zach Edey, the reigning National Player of the Year, also made a significant impact with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks in just 20 minutes of play. Additionally, Cam Heide contributed 13 points and two blocks, showcasing the athleticism that the Boilermakers lacked on the bench last season.

Overall, Purdue's dominant performance in their season opener sets a strong tone for the rest of their season. With their improved outside shooting and impressive defensive play, they are poised for success in the upcoming games.