IU falls at Purdue, 74-55

In a season in which IU fans expected improvement from a dreary 2008-09 season, the Hoosiers have delivered in both their overall and Big Ten record. They even had a few near-upsets.

But with a 74-55 loss at Purdue on Wednesday night, IU set an historic low with its 11th-straight conference defeat, longest in school history.

And just as the final score resembled those of last year with another double-digit deficit, the play up to the final horn prompted flashbacks.

IU turned the ball over 17 times and had six shots blocked, shooting just 39 percent from the field. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers committed 25 personal fouls, sending Boilermaker beneficiaries to the free-throw line for 31 attempts.

By stark contrast, IU shot just five free throws as freshmen forwards Derek Elston and Tom Pritchard each fouled out.

Once again, the Hoosiers never led, trailing by 16 at the half. Sophomore guard Verdell Jones led IU with 15 points and 4 assists. Elston was the only other Hoosier in double-digit scoring with 13 points while adding a team-high 7 rebounds.

Purdue guard E’Twaun Moore led the Boilermakers with 21 points, while guard Chris
Kramer chipped in a season-high 18.  

The Hoosiers will close the book on the 2009-10 season against the Northwestern Wildcats at noon Saturday at Assembly Hall.

— Ryan Winn