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Purdue rallied to hold a late lead against seventh-ranked Michigan, but ultimately fell 80-75 on Wednesday at Mackey Arena.
Here were five keys to the Boilermakers' defeat:
1. Lack of offensive balance
Purdue got 60 of its 75 points from three players (Terone Johnson, Rapheal Davis and Sandi Marcius). The starting trio of A.J. Hammons, D. J. Byrd and Ronnie Johnson shot a combined 3 for 21.
Aside from the three that did produce (23 of 35), the remainder of the team shot just 3 of 25.
2. Digging out
The Boilermakers fell behind at the start of the game 19-7 before beginning to play to its capability and rallying.
3. Holding on
The Boilermakers held a 52-40 lead with 12 minutes remaining in the game, but were outscored 40-23 throughout the remainder of the game.
4. Where's A.J.?
For the second consecutive game, freshman center A.J. Hammons did not come ready to play a strong game. Purdue coach Matt Painter benched the 7-footer just 42 seconds into the game.
5. Seeing star
Purdue had trouble defending any Michigan player over the final 12 minutes of the game, but most notably Wolverine stud guard Trey Burke, who scored in transition, in half-court and at the free throw line repeatedly over the late stretch.
The sophomore point guard finished with 26 points in 37 minutes of action.
