University Park, Pa. witnessed Purdue basketball's pursuit of a third consecutive Big Ten championship take a hit as they put on yet another lackluster performance in a conference road opener. Penn State emerged victorious, clobbering the No. 7 Boilermakers 81 - 70 at Bryce Jordan Center. The final score was somewhat misleading as Purdue trailed by a significant 27 points with under 10 minutes remaining. This loss marks their sixth defeat in the past seven conference road games in December.

Purdue's Road Woes Continue in Big Ten Play

Purdue's Offensive Inconsistencies

Purdue's offense got off to a rocky start and struggled to find a rhythm throughout the first half. They committed a whopping 14 turnovers, which was only two fewer than their season high from the season opener against Texas A&M - Corpus Christi and one less than their turnover count in the loss at Marquette. This excessive turnover rate played a significant role in their offensive inefficiency and gave their opponents easy scoring opportunities.The halfcourt ball pressure exerted by Penn State also took its toll. Fletcher Loyer alone committed five turnovers. Additionally, the Boilermakers played sloppy, forcing drives and passes that led to turnovers. The empty possessions during these stretches hurt them as they went scoreless for over five minutes at one point. Their inability to get back and set up a defense further compounded their problems. Both teams turned the ball over frequently, but Penn State was more effective in capitalizing on their takeaways and executing better in the halfcourt when they retained possession.

Brandon Brantley's Impact

Brandon Brantley used to dislike playing in the post. However, now he has become Purdue's big man whisperer. His presence on the court has had a significant impact on the team's performance. In this particular game, he showed his skills and contributed in various ways. His ability to handle the ball and make smart decisions in the post was crucial for Purdue's offense.

Purdue's Upcoming Game Against Maryland

Purdue now heads home for a noon Sunday tipoff against Maryland to complete their two - game opening to the conference schedule. The Terrapins opened Wednesday with a convincing 83 - 59 victory over Ohio State and are currently 8 - 1 with five consecutive wins since a four - point home loss to Marquette. Maryland ranks among the best defenses in the country by some metrics. Freshman big man Derik Queen leads the way with 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks. This upcoming game will be a crucial test for Purdue as they look to bounce back and improve their performance in conference play.