'They Aren't Very Smart': Matt Painter Defends Fletcher Loyer After 30-Point Opener
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}When it comes to Purdue guard Fletcher Loyer, there are two distinct sides to the argument. A clear black and white. Many praise his play; others criticize it.
Purdue coach Matt Painter knows where he stands.
"The people that want to replace him," Painter said, "aren't very smart. So let's not hang out with them."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Painter’s point gained real evidence Tuesday night when Loyer dropped a career-high 30 points in No. 1 Purdue’s season-opening 82-51 win over Evansville. The senior guard was 8-of-11 from the field and made seven 3-pointers in the win.
The criticism around Loyer stems from inconsistency in big moments. Despite averaging 13.8 points on 46.5% shooting last season, he struggled at times against elite competition — including a five-point performance on 0-for-6 shooting in Purdue’s Big Ten Tournament loss to Michigan.
Expectations have never been higher for Purdue — and for Loyer, now a senior. But Tuesday was a promising start, as he led the nation’s top-ranked team to a dominant win and quieted some of the noise, at least for one night.
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