Purdue Basketball Starts Season With a Victory Over Howard

The No. 8 Purdue Boilermakers started off the season tonight against the Howard Bison and ended up winning the game 76-40 in what was a great victory by the Boilermakers.

The Boilermakers were held in check in the first half only scoring 37 points, with most of those points coming after a late surge with minutes remaining in the half.

Purdue was led in scoring by senior guard E'twaun Moore, who was 5-for-11 from the field and 2-for-5 from beyond the arc, for 16 points. Moore's slashing ability was amazing, and his ability to create himself lanes to score really gave him the advantage.  Moore's night will be remembered, however, for his great ally-oop which was fed to him by the one and only Kelsey Barlow.

Purdue's performance from beyond the arc was something that should have Boilermakers fans excited for the season.  

After a below average shooting preseason the Boilermakers decided it was time to step it up. As a team they were 13-for-28 from three point land and shot 43 percent form the field.

Although the Boilermakers could use a bit more consistency in shooting from the field they still saw how they could step up and make shots.

The bench was absolutely fantastic.  Led by John Hart and DJ Byrd who were both 4-for-5 from three-point land, the Boilermakers were able to count on their bench for points.

JaJuan Johnson had a sort of off game and seems to have not yet found his rhythm yet this season, but it's only the first game.  Johnson was 3-for-7 from the field, with 10 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks.  It was the first of many double doubles for him this season.  Although not a dominating performance, Johnson will get in his groove and be a force to be reckoned with.

Although the Boilermakers won the game, they still struggled with turnovers.  The Boilermakers committed 11 turnovers and only forced 12 which is unheard of for a Matt Painter team.  This is partly due to the absence of Chris Kramer who graduated a season ago.

If the Boilermakers can figure out how to limit turnovers they will definitely be a force to be reckoned with this season.

Purdue fans should look forward to an exciting season as the Boilermakers look to go 2-0 Wednesday night against Alcorn State.

James Evens is a Purdue student and Basketball/Football Featured Columnist for the Boilermakers, along with being a Writing Intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook.