The Big Ten had three games on Tuesday night. The most eventful was in Eugene, where the Ducks narrowly survived an upset bid.
Let’s take a look at what happened.
–Oregon Ducks 60, Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors 59
This projected as the closest game of the night and played out that way, as it took the full 40 minutes of action for Oregon to get the job done and avoid the upset. The primary issue throughout the night was a poor offensive showing from the Ducks, who finished with just 0.79 points per possession. The only players who even scored in double-figures were Nate Bittle and Takai Simpkins, as the rest of the team finished with offensive ratings below 100. It was an ugly showing all around, but Oregon did just enough to skate by.
Advertisement
Oregon’s performance was rough enough to drop the Ducks nine spots on KenPom, even despite the win. It will put some pressure on the squad as the team returns to action on Friday at home against Rice.
-Iowa Hawkeyes 101, Robert Morris Colonials 69
It was a nice showing for Iowa in Ben McCollum’s first game at the helm. Iowa hosted an overmatched Robert Morris squad and cruised to an easy win. Bennett Stirtz led the way with 19 points and six assists. Tavion Banks also had 17 points. Iowa finished with an absurd 1.46 points per possession and topped the 100-point mark. If Iowa can replicate anything close to this offensive effort moving forward, it will be a formidable squad.
Advertisement
The Hawks will now get a few days off before preparing for Western Illinois at home on Friday. Expect another lopsided affair.
-No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers 82, Evansville Purple Aces 51
The Boilers opened up the season on Tuesday night and looked every bit the part of a national contender, scoring a 31-point home win. Fletcher Loyer led the way with 30 points and Braden Smith had 11 assists. Nine Boilermakers saw at least 18 minutes of action in the game. Purdue will now prepare for Oakland at home on Friday. It should be a nice “transitive win” property game, as the Golden Grizzlies just wrapped up a road trip to Ann Arbor on Monday. It might give us a small taste of how Michigan and Purdue compare this season.
