WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue basketball 's first challenge came before its season even tipped off.

The Boilermakers were without their returning leader in scoring and rebounding.

With Trey Kaufman-Renn , a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season, sidelined, No. 1-ranked Purdue knocked off some initial rust and had no trouble defeating Evansville 82-51 on Tuesday, Nov. 4 in Mackey Arena.

Purdue basketball turning point

The Boilermakers were in a bit of a rut, leading 20-17 after a 3 by Evansville's Trent Hundley.

Fletcher Loyer caught fire, draining three 3-pointers in a span of 4:16 to spark a 16-2 run.

How many assists did Braden Smith have vs Evansville?

By halftime, Purdue senior point guard Braden Smith had seven assists. He added four more in the second half to finish with 1

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