No. 15 Purdue 89, Iowa 67: 3 Takeaways, Highlights

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Iowa was never in its Big Ten opener at Purdue, falling behind 8-0 right away and trailing 49-25 at halftime before losing 89-67.

Here are three takeaways from the game.

1. Nightmare start

There were a few scenarios under which the Iowa men's basketball team could start Big Ten play.

Its big men getting in foul trouble while the guards shoot poorly and defense reverts to pre-Iowa State was one. That's what the Hawkeyes got.

The improvements Iowa showed over the final five games of non-conference were almost non-existent. Tyler Cook's return was marred by foul trouble (hold that thought).

Yes, Purdue is good. Yes, Mackey Arena is a tough place to play. But Iowa had bigger problems Wednesday night.

2. Big men bust

Purdue rolls out three very talented frontcourt players in Caleb Swanigan, Isaac Haas and Vince Edwards.

The Hawkeyes needed Cordell Pemsl, Tyler Cook and Ahmad Wagner to keep them contained and out of foul trouble. Foul trouble was an issue from the start.

While Swanigan had just two points in the first half and Haas sat with foul trouble of his own, the second half was a dunk fest for the Boilermakers' big men.

Pemsl and Cook each had to play extended minutes with four fouls, so they couldn't be nearly as aggressive as required to stop Purdue's trio.

3. Defensive regression

Purdue shot 10 of 17 from 3-point range in the first half. While that didn't carry over to the second half, what caused it was troublesome.

The Hawkeyes were in zone for several of those made 3s, and defensive rotations and closeouts were a full step slow on many occasions.

When it wasn't outside shots, screen actions from the Boilermakers got guards open in the paint.

Backside help looked like it did against Nebraska Omaha. Purdue's 1.127 points per possession by the end of the game would've been higher if not for garbage time.