UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Trey Freeman scored 14 of his team-high 17 points in the second half and pulled the Monarchs within six points with 14:10 to play, before No. 21 Purdue ran off with a 61-39 victory on Saturday afternoon at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. as part of the 2015 James Naismith Tip-Off Hall of Fame Classic.
The Monarchs will face Saint Joseph’s on Sunday at noon on ESPN 3.
ODU’s Nik Biberaj scored nine points (4-4 FT), hauled down three rebounds and had one steal in 25 minutes of work. Aaron Bacote collected a game-high five steals, while Jordan Baker led the Monarchs on the boards with seven. Old Dominion forced 12 Purdue turnovers for the ballgame. Old Dominion’s defense held Purdue to 3 of 13 shooting from the field to start the contest and 33.3% (10-30) shooting and 11.1% (1-9) from deep for the entire first half.
Purdue center A.J. Hammons (8-13 FG) scored 12 of his 18 points in the first half and Kendall Stephens sparked a second-half run with nine of his 12 points. The Boilermakers shot 50 percent in the second half.
Old Dominion trimmed a 10-point deficit to six early in the second half, but Kendall Stephens got hot from 3-point range, drilling three in a row to extend the Boilermakers lead before ultimately claiming a 61-39 victory on Saturday afternoon. Stephens was 3 for 5 behind the arc after halftime.
The Boilermakers jumped out to a 15-9 advantage with 7:49 to play in the opening half, before taking a 28-18 lead into the locker rooms at halftime behind 12 points from A.J. Hammons on 5-8 shooting.
Old Dominion was held to 18.8% (6-32) shooting from the floor and 0-6 from deep in the first half. The Boilermakers were held to 33.3% (10-30) shooting and 11.1% (1-9) from deep. Nik Biberaj and Payton Pervier led the Monarchs with four points each in the opening half.
NEXT UP FOR THE BASKETBALL MONARCHS
The Monarchs will take on Saint Joseph’s on Sunday at noon on ESPN 3. Monarch fans can also listen to the ballgame live on ESPN Radio 94.1.
The 2015 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament HOMEPAGE: http://www.halloffametipoff.com/
DON’T MISS THE ACTION!
Monarch basketball season tickets are on sale now for the 2015-16 season at YNottix.com or by calling the box office 757-683-4444.
TICKETS (Single Game)
Adult Lower Bowl - $17
Adult Club - $31
Military/Seniors/Youth/Faculty Staff - $15
Group pricing available by calling Todd McKeating at 757-683-7087
WHAT A DEAL! - VOUCHER BOOKS
Get 10 tickets to use at any home ODU basketball games during the 2015-16 regular season. Use them all at one game to bring family and friends, or spread them out over the season. The choice is yours! The price is $120 for a men’s basketball voucher book. That’s a $50 savings over purchasing at the ticket window. Plus the first 200 fans that purchase will get an ODU UnderArmour Team Visor. Purchase now at www.ynottix.com.
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