Boilers Blast Bethune-Cookman

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Chris Kramer scored 15 points to lead Purdue to a season-opening 66-40 win over Bethune-Cookman on Thursday night. E'Twaun Moore had 14 points, five assists and three steals, and JaJuan Johnson added 12 points for the Boilermakers (1-0). Jimmy Hudson led Bethune Cookman (0-3) with 14 points.

Purdue's highly touted freshman class didn't disappoint. Moore, Johnson, Robbie Hummel and Scott Martin combined for 37 points.

Purdue forced 30 turnovers and held the Wildcats to 40 percent shooting.

Freshmen scored Purdue's first seven points to help the Boilermakers take an early 14-4 lead.

Bethune-Cookman cut the lead to 14-9 before Kramer took over. After a basket by Marcus Green, Kramer made two free throws, then a bucket to make it 20-9. He then got a steal while diving on the floor and threw a pass while sitting to a streaking Green for a dunk. Moments later, another steal by Kramer led to a 3-point play by Martin that made the score 25-9.

Moore made a 3-pointer as time expired in the first half to give the Boilermakers a 36-19 lead. Kramer had 11 points, three steals and two assists before the break.

The Boilermakers forced 22 turnovers in the first half.

Bethune Cookman hung around early in the second half, and trailed 45-32 after a layup by John Anderson.

Purdue responded with a 17-0 run that made it 62-32 with 5:17 to go. The highlight was an alley-oop dunk by Johnson on an assist from Tarrance Crump.