RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Calgary Dinos 79-48 in the third game of their exhibition trip to Canada. Purdue seemed to struggle in this game even though they won by 31 points, something that seemed clear with the tone Head Coach Matt Painter could be heard at times through the broadcast.
The Dinos are a unique program in that they are the only NCAA sanctioned program in Canada but the talent disparity was evident from the start of the game. Purdue was led in scoring again by freshman Antoine West who scored 14 points on 5-10 shooting from the field (2-4 3pt) to go along with 2 rebounds and 4 steals. West has seemingly taken a major step forward in his development coming off a redshirt season and very early on appears to be a step above the other guards for Purdue from a pure scoring ability.
Nice take by Antione West Jr. for his first points of the game (second shot attempt). 1️⃣🚂 pic.twitter.com/xTDhd8ZgW1
— Boiler Burner (@BoilerBurner1) July 29, 2026
Fellow freshman guard Luke Ertel also continued to flash his potential as he stuffed the stat sheet with 6 points (2-7 fg%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 19 minutes. Coach Painter called Ertel one of the toughest players he has every recruited to Purdue and the former high school quarterback has definitely shown an edge to his game. He possesses a similar type of attitude to a number of former Purdue Boilermakers but may eventually draw lots of comparisons to Chris Kramer. It just seems that, no matter what is happening on the floor, Purdue seems to be a tougher and more focused team when Ertel is out there.
Luke Ertel destroys his defender’s ankles before banging home a step-back 3. Dear God. 2️⃣🚂 pic.twitter.com/G1myNtxiGI
— Boiler Burner (@BoilerBurner1) July 29, 2026
Following some up and down play in the first two games, center Daniel Jacobsen finally flexed a bit of his physicality that needs to be a constant force for the Boilers. DJ holds some unique attributes that give him advantages against almost anyone in the country when he lets his physicality drive his play. He did so at times against Calgary going for 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 blocks, and just 1 foul. That singular foul is a major key as last season he struggled to play physical without fouling, leading him to the bench frequently.
What was disappointing in this game was seemingly what many Purdue fans assumed would be two knowns heading into the season: CJ Cox and Omer Mayer. The veteran guard duo seemed as though they would be the two players that Purdue could rely on but in these first three games have been just ‘ok.’ Their stat lines were ok with Mayer going for 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, but he also had 4 turnovers and didn’t show an ability to create off the dribble for himself. It isn’t beneficial to the offense to have a ball dominate guard who is unable to create for themselves and then be unable to locate teammates. All too often in these first three games, Mayer has had the blinders on with the ball in his hands.
Cox had another solid night with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist but its the manner in which he is going about these stats that seems to be concerning. Many thought Cox was going to be a player who would become a focal point of the offense and his steady presence would elevate him to a consistent offensive threat. Instead, it just seems like he is an afterthought while the ball is in Mayer’s hands.
Following the second game, Matt Painter made some pretty remarkable statements about what he was feeling. Notably, he said that Purdue lacked any separation from any position and that includes positions many thought may have been a forgone conclusion. Yes, Painter is going to play weird lineups and try to find what does and doesn’t work in an effort to get film and data to dissect. The fact remains that many thought it was a set that Mayer, Cox, and Pierce were likely starters but that may not be the case.
West has been a revolution in the first three games as a player who lifts Purdue’s potential offensively and flashed some real toughness defensively against Calgary (something that lacked the first two games and likely was one of the most important factor for why he redshirted last season). Ertel just looks the part of a floor general type point guard who has some moxy and attitude about him that others are lacking (it may be why TKR was seemingly out of character last season, especially early on).
Although no determinations for the season are being made right now, questions are coming up and some guys are providing some potential answers. One of the ones that might not get answered until much later because one player is unable to participate is who plays the power forward position. Benter and Pierce have been just ok but Painter has said that transfer forward/center Enzo Shahrvin was brought in specifically because of the physicality that he brings to the floor. That’s something this team definitely lacks at this point in time.
For Matt Painter, I’m sure he wanted to get most answers to some important questions leading into the end of the summer and before they start their fall workouts and practices leading to the season. Instead, it seems as though more questions have been proposed because of a lack of ability for some players to separate themselves while others may have to take that role for Purdue to grow this season.
If you were to ask me, I’d say nobody has definitively won a starting position from this trip but Matt Painter has been less and less likely to stick with upperclassmen and veterans over the last several years. Ertel and West, though, are seemingly making the case as to why they shouldn’t be given the first crack at the opportunity.
Purdue will finish their Canadian trip by playing Fraser Valley at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 30th. You can watch a live stream of the game at https://sportscanada.tv/PPV/PURDUEvUFV/ .
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