Hear from Head Coach Matt Painter, Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats, and Purdue players following the big victory inside Mackey Arena
The Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 87-78 in one of the biggest games in Mackey Arena in the last several years as the visitors were the highest rated out of conference opponent since #1 UCLA opened up the arena for its’ first game. It was a coming out party of sorts for freshman CJ Cox as the guard hit three straight three pointers to flip the game in the second half and provided the necessary spark for the Boiler faithful to push the home team to a victory.
Let’s hear from Head Coach Matt Painter, Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats, and Purdue players Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and CJ Cox.
Purdue Head Coach Matt Painter
Purdue fans need to realize that they are completely spoiled by what Matt Painter gives them in every post game presser. Candid responses that are open and honest and filled with detail beyond the typical responses coaches give along with deep dives into scheme and personnel decisions. Just a wealth of knowledge in evert post game presser.
Painter was happy with the improved effort on the defensive end and rebounding although he stated they aren’t where they need to be yet. He seemed genuinely thrilled with the three turnovers knowing that he can use that as a building point for his team moving forward. However, I think he was most excited to give Myles Colvin the praise that he deserves as the messaging to him is really starting to come to fruition.
Let’s be honest here, Purdue very well may not win that game without Myles Colvin’s effort on the defensive end. He didn’t take a single shot and impacted the game in a massive way on the defensive end with a great effort against one of the best guards in the country in Mark Sears. Sears was forced into an inefficient game of 5-15 shooting with 4 turnovers and just never quite seemed comfortable. Yes, it was definitely a group effort with CJ Cox, Gicarri Harris, and even Braden Smith at times, but Colvin shined in his effort against Alabama.
Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats
Let’s get right to the big point from Oats’ presser following the game. How do you not know that Trey Kaufman-Renn is a really good low post scorer? TKR had two opportunities over the last two seasons with Edey missing games due to illness where he dominated the low post, scored 20+ points, and genuinely looked like a guy who could score 20 a night when he finally got his chances. Not to mention, Purdue would go to him frequently last season when he had a mismatch at the four in the low post. Just a bad look for Oats, even if his comments were to be praise for TKR.
Purdue Players Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and CJ Cox
Great responses from the players here following the game but none more so than CJ Cox when he was asked about his feelings following his 9 point individual run in the second half to flip the game from a Purdue deficit to a 7 point lead that capped a 13-0 run.