Boilermakers continue tradition of winning NCAA opener

By Bud L. Ellis

For the 13th consecutive time, the Purdue Boilermakers walked off the court a winner in their NCAA tournament opener.

Purdue using stifling defense in its first game in this year’s NCAAs, blasting St. Peter’s 65-43 in the second round of the Southwest region in Chicago.

E’Twaun Moore and JuJuan Johnson had their way on offense for the Boilermakers. Moore scored a team-high 19 points, and Johnson added 16 points and 16 rebounds. Purdue started quickly with a 15-4 run, then opened the second half with seven consecutive points, building a 40-17 advantage.

Defensively, the Boilermakers held the Peacocks to just 29.3 percent shooting. Purdue never trailed, winning for the 26th time this season and eighth time in its past 10 games.

The Boilermakers face the Virginia Commonwealth-Georgetown winner in the third round on Sunday, with the winner advancing to the Sweet 16.

—30—

Friday, March 18, 2011 at 9:05 pm by bud

Tags: E’Twan Moore, Georgetown, JuJuan Johnson, NCAA Tournament, Purdue Boilermakers news, Purdue Boilermakers schedule, Purdue Boilermakers tickets, St. Peter’s, Virginia Commonwealth