PHOTO GALLERY: No. 1 Purdue Basketball Dominates Penn State at Mackey Arena
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The No. 1-ranked Purdue basketball team took care of business at Mackey Arena on Wednesday, taking down Penn State in an 80-60 victory.
Junior forward Mason Gillis set a career-high with 29 points, which included nine 3-pointers. Junior center Zach Edey also posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Boilermakers.
"It's great to see somebody get into a rhythm and knock down some shots," Purdue coach Matt Painter said of Gillis. "Obviously, he played well in the first half and took some rhythm threes and knocked them down. We started him in the second half because he played so well, and then he just kind of exploded in that first six, seven minutes."
Former Purdue assistant Micah Shrewsberry returned to Mackey Arena for the first time since taking the head coaching job at Penn State two years ago. However, he is 0-4 against Painter since taking the helm.
"He's done a fabulous job there," Painter said. "And I hope they get in the NCAA Tournament."
PHOTOS: No. 1 Purdue 80, Penn State 60
Matt Painter and Mason Gillis
Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter talks to Purdue Boilermakers forward Mason Gillis (0).
David Jenkins Jr. and Brandon Newman
Purdue Boilermakers guard David Jenkins Jr. (14) and Purdue Boilermakers guard Brandon Newman (5) wait to be subbed in.
Zach Edey
Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) shoots a free throw.
Braden Smith
Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) defends Penn State Nittany Lions guard Camren Wynter (11).
Purdue bench
Purdue Boilermakers forward Mason Gillis (0) and guard Ethan Morton (25) react to a play during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Brandon Newman
Purdue Boilermakers guard Brandon Newman (5) on the court during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mackey Arena.
Mason Gillis
Purdue Boilermakers forward Mason Gillis (0) talks to a referee during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mackey Arena.
Ethan Morton
Purdue Boilermakers guard Ethan Morton (25) reacts to making a three-point shot during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mackey Arena.
Mason Gillis
Purdue Boilermakers forward Mason Gillis (0) gives a thumbs-up to the bench.
Braden Smith
Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) looks for a path through multiple Penn State Nittany Lions.
Purdue celebration
Purdue Boilermakers forward Mason Gillis (0) reacts to scoring before a timeout.
Mason Gillis
Purdue Boilermakers forward Mason Gillis (0) reaches for a rebound.
Trey Kaufman-Renn
Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) looks to keep the ball away from Penn State Nittany Lions defenders.
Fletcher Loyer
Purdue Boilermakers guard Fletcher Loyer (2) reacts during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mackey Arena.
Zach Edey
Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) pushes against Penn State Nittany Lions forward Michael Henn (24).
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- Gillis Catches Fire, Fuels Purdue in Win Over Penn State: Purdue junior forward Mason Gillis scored a career-high 29 points and went 9-of-12 from the 3-point line in an 80-60 victory against Penn State on Wednesday at Mackey Arena. CLICK HERE
- What Matt Painter Said Following Victory Against Penn State: Purdue coach Matt Painter addressed the media after the team's 80-60 victory against Penn State on Wednesday at Mackey Arena. Here's the complete transcript and full video from the postgame press conference. CLICK HERE
- Micah Shrewsberry Falls Short in Return to Mackey Arena: Micah Shrewsberry led Penn State against Purdue in his return to Mackey Arena on Wednesday but fell short in an 80-60 loss to the No. 1-ranked Boilermakers. Shrewsberry, a former Purdue assistant, is now 0-4 against Matt Painter. CLICK HERE
- Zach Edey Recognized as Big Ten Co-Player of the Week: Purdue junior center Zach Edey garnered his fifth Big Ten Basketball Player of the Week award of the 2022-23 season. He averaged 28.5 points and 11.0 rebounds over the team's last two games while shooting 60% from the floor. CLICK HERE
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D.J. Fezler is a staff writer for BoilermakersCountry.com. Hailing from The Region, he is from Cedar Lake in Northwest Indiana and has spent the last two years covering Purdue football and basketball.