Ryan Cline Lifts Purdue Past Pittsburgh 72-59

While the first half of the Purdue–University of Pittsburgh game was a breeze for the Boilmakers, the second half was a struggle. That was until Ryan Cline stepped up to help avoid an upset.

Coming off the bench, the true freshman scored 12 points — all from behind the three point line — to help keep his team’s undefeated campaign alive. Even more impressive, though, was the praise he garnered from his coach after the game.

“He’s the best shooter I’ve ever been around,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said.

Before his streak, Cline missed three straight shots in the first half. His teammates, though, wouldn’t allow him to shy away from the ball on offense. With center Isaac Haas battling foul trouble and guard Rapheal Davis out with a knee injury, the Boilermakers needed Cline.

“Obviously the first half couldn’t really get anything to go,” Cline said. “My teammates, they were in the locker room telling me to keep shooting the ball.”

While Cline provided the spark, A.J Miller carried the bulk of the offense; he finished the game with 24 points and 12 rebounds. “I thought A.J. did a great job of finishing,” Painter said. “When A.J. came alive and was making some plays it opened things up and Ryan stepped up and made some 3s.”

The 11th ranked Boilermakers will continue their undefeated season against the University of New Mexico Saturday afternoon.

Photo: Caleb Swanigan #50 of the Purdue Boilermakers drives to the hole against Michael Young #2 of the Pittsburgh Panthers during the game at Petersen Events Center on December 1, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)