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. Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

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 Brade

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