In a resounding exhibition win, Purdue's freshmen guards CJ Cox and Gicarri Harris made their mark, showcasing their talent and potential for the upcoming season. The Boilermakers cruised to a 99-41 victory over Division II Grand Valley State, with the new backcourt duo leading the charge.

Purdue's Promising Newcomers Ignite Excitement for the Season Ahead

Freshmen Guards Impress in Debut at Mackey Arena

For CJ Cox and Gicarri Harris, their first experience inside Mackey Arena was a memorable one. The two freshmen guards, who had never witnessed a Purdue basketball game from the court, seized the opportunity to make a statement in the exhibition matchup. Their defensive tenacity and offensive contributions highlighted a dominant first-half performance by the Boilermakers.Cox showcased his scoring prowess, netting nine points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting in the opening half. Alongside him, Harris also found his rhythm, scoring in double figures and combining with Cox for a total of 25 points. The duo's defensive intensity disrupted the Lakers' ball handlers, setting the tone for Purdue's stifling performance.

Kaufman-Renn Leads Boilermakers' Decisive Run

The game's turning point came early, as Jalen Charity's 3-pointer on Grand Valley State's first possession gave the Lakers a brief 3-2 lead. However, Purdue quickly responded with a decisive 15-0 run over the next four minutes, spearheaded by Trey Kaufman-Renn's eight points and three rebounds.The Lakers struggled to find their footing, missing nine consecutive shots and committing two turnovers during Purdue's run. This allowed head coach Matt Painter to freely substitute his lineups, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Boilermakers' roster.

Defensive Intensity Sets the Tone

While the exhibition victory over Grand Valley State may not have been the toughest test, it provided Purdue with an opportunity to showcase its defensive prowess. Compared to the previous exhibition game against Creighton, the Boilermakers' defensive intensity was noticeably improved.The Lakers were held to just 8-of-24 shooting in the first half, with one of their made baskets being a fortuitous 3-pointer that banked in. Grand Valley State struggled to generate clean looks throughout the game, ultimately finishing the contest shooting a dismal 21.3% from the field.

Standout Performances from Veteran Leaders

Alongside the impressive showings from the freshmen guards, Purdue's veteran leaders also made their mark. Trey Kaufman-Renn, the redshirt freshman who opted to sit out the 2021-22 season, continued to demonstrate his potential. If the exhibition game had counted, Kaufman-Renn would have recorded his first collegiate triple-double, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and a dominant all-around performance.Junior guard Fletcher Loyer also showcased his scoring prowess, pouring in 15 points and averaging 16 points across the two exhibition games. Braden Smith, the Boilermakers' alpha dog, filled up the stat sheet with seven points, five rebounds, and five assists, proving his versatility and leadership on the court.As the Boilermakers gear up for the regular season, the exhibition victory over Grand Valley State has provided a glimpse into the team's potential. With the impressive performances from the freshmen backcourt duo and the continued contributions from the veteran leaders, Purdue basketball fans have plenty to be excited about in the season ahead.