WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A.J. Hammons scored 15 points to lead four players in double figures and the Purdue men’s basketball team shot 54.0 percent from the floor to soundly defeat California (Pa.), 89-52, in Sunday’s exhibition opener.
Purdue has now won 24 straight exhibition games and is 19-0 under head coach Matt Painter in exhibition contests.
The Boilermakers staked California (Pa.) an early 5-0 lead, but then embarked on a 35-4 run over 10-plus minutes to grab a 35-9 advantage with 7:34 to play. After starting just 2-of-6 from the field, Purdue made its next eight shots and would finish the first half 21-of-34 (.618) from the field en route to a 50-22 halftime lead.
After the Vulcans scored the opening basket of the second half, the Boilermakers then went on a 9-0 run to grab a 59-24 lead with 17:26 to play. The lead would stay above 30 the rest of the game and the Boilermakers would take their largest lead of the game at 85-43 with 3:51 to play.
Purdue finished the game shooting 34-of-63 (.540) from the field, 7-of-20 (.350) from three-point range and just 14-of-26 (.538) from the free throw line. Purdue outrebounded the Vulcans, 49-37, and had 22 assists (on 34 field goals) against just 10 turnovers.
California (Pa.) shot 19-of-66 (.288) from the field, 7-of-28 (.250) from three-point range and 7-of-11 (.636) from the free throw line. The Vulcans were guilty of 16 turnovers, 12 of which were Purdue steals, which helped the Boilermakers to an 18-0 advantage in fast-break points.
Hammons had an efficient game, scoring 15 points with five rebounds and five blocked shots in just 17 minutes. Rapheal Davis scored 11 points with three rebounds in 14 minutes, while Bryson Scott had 10 points, four assists, and three steals. Isaac Haas was the last player in double figures with 10 points, four rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes. P.J. Thompson led Purdue in assists with five.
Haas and Hammons combined for 25 points, nine rebounds and seven blocked shots in 35 minutes, while going 12-of-14 from the field.
Khalil Jabbie and Drew Cook led California (Pa.) with 10 points each.
Purdue will close out its exhibition slate on Friday, Nov. 7, with a matchup against Carroll College (Mont.), beginning at 7 pm (ET). Carroll is coached by former Boilermaker Carson Cunningham. For tickets, visit PurdueSports.com or call 1-800-49SPORT.
