LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Despite holding #15 Gonzaga to 32.0 percent shooting in the second half, Purdue fell 78-72 in its opener at T-Mobile Arena on Monday night.
This is just the second season-opening loss for Purdue in the Matt Painter era, now falling to 20-2 in season openers.
The Boilers shot 47.3 percent from the field to the Bulldogs’ 43.4 percent, but were outrebounded 34-31. Both teams recorded 10 turnovers on the night.
The Bulldogs took advantage on the free throw line, outscoring the Boilermakers by 11 points, making 26-of-34 from the charity stripe, including 25-of-30 in the second half. Purdue was just 15-of-21 from the free throw line, but missed two crucial front-ends on 1-and-1 attempts in the second half.
Daniel Jacobsen led Purdue with 22 points, going 9-of-11 from the field, just two shy of his career high. The junior also added seven rebounds and a block. C.J. Cox and Antione West Jr. joined him in double digits, recording 11 points (4-of-11 FGs) three rebounds, and two assists and 10 points with a rebound and an assist (3-of-5 FGs), respectively.
Davis Fogle led the way for Gonzaga recording 22 points while going 9-for-10 from the free throw line.
Purdue is at home for the first time on Friday with their home opener against Valparaiso in Mackey Arena at 6:30 p.m. ET.