Purdue still in search of answers

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue drops to 4-6 on the season after the Boilermakers fell to No. 22 Notre Dame 81-68 on Saturday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It was the first meeting between Purdue and Notre Dame since 1966.

Purdue struggled most of the game and trailed at halftime 39-31. The margin opened up in the second half when the Boilers found themselves trailing by 23 points.

The Boilermakers did rally back in the game mainly due to the play of freshman Rapheal Davis. He made 8-9 field goal attempts and led the team in scoring with 21 points.

"I know coming in, Coach Painter recruited me as a scorer and in the second half I just saw that we weren't getting the ball in the hole and I came out and just wanted to be aggressive," said Davis. "People probably think that I am in a slump and can't score anymore but this game might bring me out of it and just gave me a lot of confidence to go out the next game against Ball State and just play hard and play how I know to play."

"Rapheal is a good scorer and he gave us a lift there in the second half," said Purdue head coach Matt Painter. "He really got aggressive and attacked the basket. He's always been known as a scorer and he is improving in other areas but that was definitely a pleasant surprise for us. He just needs time and needs minutes."

Purdue freshman Ronnie Johnson added 15 points and 3 assists. D.J. Byrd scored 13 points and pulled down 5 rebounds.

The Boilers return to action on Tuesday against Ball State at Mackey Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 pm.