By: Dakota Isgrigg | December 2nd | @dakota_isgrigg | @BoilerInTexas

After the first two games of the year, fans were left unsure on what to think of this new Purdue squad. In their first game of the year against Liberty, the Boilers looked a bit rusty but still pulled out a 77-64 win over the Flames. But the inexperience was felt the most in the following matchup against Clemson who imposed their will on the frontcourt of Purdue on their way to a 81-70 win to take the Space Coast Challenge. These results almost left more questions than answers and the only way to get the answers was to wait and see.

Enter the December 1st matchup against Oakland. While this was not supposed to be a highly competitive game, it would provide more evidence to what this team would look like when they are facing an overmatched opponent. If the Boilers struggle to put the Grizzlies away, it may be a frustrating season as the team continues to work on growing and gaining experience. Fortunately for the fans, the Boilers came out firing and never let up. In an eerie and empty Mackey Arena, which will never not be weird, Purdue bombed away over top of the Oakland zone-defense and never let up.

I’m taking this brief moment to comment on how absolutely bizarre it was to watch this game being played in Mackey Arena and not hearing the typical roar of the crowd. Being able to hear the coaching staffs and players communicating at every step. I don’t think it will ever be not weird this year. It’s a stark reminder that this has been a weird year and the way it’s looking around the country, it will continue to be this way for a little while longer. I can’t wait until fans are allowed back in. I may even need to make the trek and get back to West Lafayette to commemorate the moment.

Back to the Oakland game! And I think it’s disingenuous to start anywhere else but Sasha Stefanovic and Brandon Newman! Hello you two! These two really came out firing and never let up from the tip. Sasha finished the game with 20 points, 6-9 from three, and 7 assists. Newman also showed out in his Mackey Arena debut stuffing the stat sheet with 21 points, 4-7 3pm, 7-11 from the field, 4 reb, and 3 assists. These two got the scoring going early and helped lift Purdue past the initial Oakland run in the first half.

It was still far from a perfect game as there were still far too many lazy passes leading to turnovers but these are things that will continue to improve over time. The guys really tightened up in the second half which was very nice to see. The same can be said for other aspects on the defensive end of the floor as there were stretches that Oakland was able to get to the rim far too easily. Hopefully this is something we will see improve with more floor time.

This was a fairly straightforward win that shouldn’t be overanalyzed but some other key points are as follows:

• Zach Edey continues to be a very large human being finishing with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Had some turnover issues and if he can clean these up he will be even more of a monster.

• Aaron Wheeler had a solid day using his athleticism all over the floor finishing with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and a steal. He seems to be settling into this new role nicely. He’ll be very important to this squad going forward.

• Trevion Williams still seems to be struggling to get into a groove this year. He’s having issues finishing the same level of plays he made look easy last year. Once he gets his mojo back he' should explode, especially with the other weapons that this team has around him.

• Mason Gillis had a very solid game finishing with 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 ast, 1 stl, and knocked down a three of his own. He has been fundamentally solid through 3 games and I for one am very excited to see him develop further.

And lastly, the most important topic to come from the game yesterday. Who is going to take Tommy Luce’s spot as beloved walk on going forward?

• Matt Frost got in the game and knocked down a three and had an assist. Is there a Frost advisory in Mackey going forward?

• Jared Wulbrun also finished with a three of his own, along with an assist. Potential rivalry going on at the end of the bench? Time will tell.

• Don’t count out Chase Martin, who has the Purdue legacy behind him should he ever get the chance as well.

boilerintexas.com will continue to monitor the walk-on developments and come forward with any further developments!

Purdue is back in action Friday as they host the Crusaders of Valparaiso!

As always, Boiler Up, Hammer Down, Hail Purdue!