Hammond, Ind. — Truman State men's basketball held a halftime lead on the road Tuesday night, but a strong second-half surge by Purdue Northwest proved decisive as the Bulldogs fell 73–64 at the PNW Fitness & Recreation Center.
Truman controlled long stretches of the opening half with steady ball movement and efficient perimeter shooting. Troy Anderson opened the scoring from deep, and Julian Brown capped the half with a last second three that sent the Bulldogs into the locker room ahead 30–29. Truman shot well in the first 20 minutes and created quality looks by forcing closeouts and attacking the paint.
The game shifted after intermission as Purdue Northwest increased its physicality inside. Forward Kyle Ross dominated the glass, turning missed shots into second-chance points that swung momentum to the Pride. Ross and Kevin Taylor combined for a steady run of inside finishes and putbacks that turned a one-point Truman advantage into a multi-possession lead for the Pride. Purdue Northwest's timely three-point makes in the second half kept the Bulldogs from mounting a sustained rally.
Truman continued to compete and cut into the margin on several occasions, including late scores by Parrinello at the rim, but each push was answered by Purdue Northwest. A tip-in basket in the late minutes following a crucial offensive rebound sealed the outcome for the home team.
Truman showed offensive life from the perimeter, converting 6-of-16 from three-point range, but the Bulldogs were outworked on the glass and committed 15 turnovers that led to extra possessions for Purdue Northwest.
Game leaders
Truman State
Purdue Northwest
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Points: Kyle Ross — 17
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Rebounds: Kyle Ross — 15 (including seven offensive rebounds)
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Points: Kevin Taylor — 17
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Key scoring: Kwat Abdelkarim — 12
Team stats
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Field goals: Truman 21–47 (44.7%); Purdue Northwest 28–65 (43.1%)
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Three-pointers: Truman 6–16 (37.5%); Purdue Northwest 7–26 (26.9%)
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Free throws: Truman 16–21 (76.2%); Purdue Northwest 10–15 (66.7%)
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Rebounds: Truman 31; Purdue Northwest 38
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Turnovers: Truman 15; Purdue Northwest 9
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Points in the paint: Truman 26; Purdue Northwest 38
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Bench points: Truman 19; Purdue Northwest 17
Up Next:
The Bulldogs will open up GLVC play on Saturday against Rockhurst at 3:00 PM in Kansas City. Truman State will look to snap a five game losing streak against the Hawks that dates back to 2023.
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