Boilers fall to Atletas Kaunas

MONTECATINI, Italy (WLFI) - Purdue men's basketball team dropped a close game against Lithuania's professional team, Atletas Kaunas 82-79.

The Boilers rallied back from a nine-point halftime deficit to tie the game up at 79. With 13 seconds left in the game, D.J. Byrd's layup rimmed out and Atletas took possession of the ball and made the game winning three pointer. Byrd tried a desperation three at the end of the game but he missed.

Purdue's redshirt freshman Donnie Hale played great in the loss. He led the team in scoring with 19 points and made 8-11 shots. He also added five rebounds and one block. 

Terone Johnson and Ronnie Johnson each added 10 points. Anthony Johnson added eight points and Byrd scored seven points.

Sandi Marcius pulled down 14 rebounds.

The Boilers shot well from the free throw line in the game. Purdue made 19-26 from the free throw line, good for 73.1 percent.

Purdue will travel to Venice on Monday, where they will return to action on Tuesday against Vicenza All-Star. The game is scheduled for 7:30 pm local time (1:30 pm ET).