Box Score Led by 19 points and 11 rebounds from senior Roosevelt Jones, Butler knocked off #9/8 Purdue, 74-68, Saturday afternoon in the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Tyler Lewis matched his career-high with 17 points, and Andrew Chrabascz added 16 points. Butler, ranked 17th and 18th in the national polls, improves to 9-1 on the season while handing the Boilermakers their first loss (11-1).
The Bulldogs entered the contest ranked second in the nation in scoring (91.7ppg), but utilized several characteristics that have become synonymous with Butler over the past few decades to register the win. Butler allowed only two Purdue players to reach double figures.
"Players win games. I truly believe that," said Butler coach Chris Holtmann. "That's as gritty and tough as we've been this year. And we had to be that way to beat a really talented and well-coached team tonight."
Butler outscored Purdue, 34-26, in the paint, navigating around the Boilermakers' two 7-footers, Isaac Haas and A.J. Hammons. Purdue held a slim 44-40 rebounding advantage.
The Bulldogs overcame a tough shooting night, shooting only 39.7 percent from the field, its second-lowest output of the season. The largest difference came as Butler forced Purdue into 18 turnovers while committing only eight of its own.
The first half featured six ties and 10 lead changes as Butler scored nine of the last 13 points of the half to take a 31-27 halftime lead.
A 17-4 run midway through the second half pushed a 36-33 Butler advantage to 53-37 with 9:40 to play. But Purdue refused to go quietly. After a Tyler Wideman lay-up made it 64-49 with 3:47 to play, the Boilermakers pulled all the way within two at 70-68 with 26 seconds to play. Two free throws by Tyler Lewis iced the game on the ensuing possession.
Jones registered his fifth double-double of the season and 12th of his career, also distributing five assists. Lewis added six rebounds, four steals and four assists.
Caleb Swanigan led Purdue with 25 points and 11 rebounds on 10-of-14 shooting.
Former Butler standout Andrew Smith was in attendance with his wife, Samantha. The 2013 Butler graduate who was part of two Final Four teams is battling cancer and was able to see the Bulldogs in person for the first time this season. He drew a rousing ovation when shown on the Bankers Life Fieldhouse videoboard.
Butler returns to action Tuesday (Dec. 22), hosting Southern Utah at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
