E’Twaun Moore scores 22 points, Purdue beats South Dakota State 74-63

Moore helps Purdue beat South Dakota State

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands — E’Twaun Moore scored 22 points and No. 7 Purdue beat South Dakota State 74-63 on Friday night in the first round of the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam.

Robbie Hummel added 14 points despite missing much of the action because of foul trouble, and JaJuan Johnson had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Boilermakers (2-0). Purdue will play St. Joseph’s on Sunday night in second round.

Clint Sargent led the Jackrabbits (2-1) with 16 points, and Garrett Callahan scored all 13 of his points in the first half.

The Jackrabbits took advantage of Purdue’s overaggressive defense early, making 13 of 15 free throw attempts in the first half.

Purdue led 39-37 at the half, and South Dakota State was still hanging close at the 16:08 mark on Kai Williams’ basket that cut it to 41-39.

But the Boilermakers heated up. Ryne Smith’s jumper ignited a 9-0 run that he capped with a 3-pointer that gave Purdue a 50-39 lead with 13:12 remaining.