TUSCALOOSA, AL — Purdue men’s basketball expected a physical game for its third meeting in as many seasons against Alabama.

Boilermaker senior guard Fletcher Loyer left Coleman Coliseum with an 87-80 victory and a physical manifestation of that physical play. Loyer broke a tooth sometime during the second half of a rugged game in which bodies regularly hit the floor — voluntarily or otherwise.

Loyer took the hit in such stride that Braden Smith said he was unaware until Loyer told him after the game. He played 31 minutes and collected seven points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Alabama was whistled for 16 second-half fouls. Purdue crashed the boards hard from the start and built a 52-28 advantage there.

The rugged game featured 21 lead changes and 14 ties. These te

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