Quotes That Matter From Matt Painter After Purdue’s 76-59 Win Over Illinois State

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – After a disappointing night on Friday, Purdue got into the win column for the first time this season. The Boilermakers defeated Illinois State 76-59, improving to 1-2 on the season following losses to No. 15 Gonzaga and Valparaiso.

Daniel Jacobsen was a monster in the post again, scoring 20 points and collecting seven rebounds. Antione West Jr. and Jack Benter both earned their first starts of the season and delivered in big ways. West finished with 17 points and Benter had 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.

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What did head coach Matt Painter have to say after the game? Here are a few key quotes from the postgame presser.

Nov 9, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Changing the starting lineup

Painter rolled with a different starting lineup on Monday night. West ran the point over Omer Mayer and Benter started at the three instead of Gicarri Harris. C.J. Cox, Caden Pierce and Jacobsen all remained in the starting lineup.

It was only one game, but the change seemed to provide a spark against Illinois State.

“There’s no doubt there needed to be a change,” Painter said. “I always talk about the positives from the people who come off the bench and positives from the people who start. You’re trying to get people going and you’re starting them, it’s also that maybe these guys can play better coming off the bench.”

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One skill that Painter likes from both Benter and West is their ability to pass. He believes they are the two best on the team right now, which helps Purdue’s ball movement and creating open shots.

“[Jack’s] ability to pass, his ability to stretch the defense. I would probably say our two best passers are him and Antione,” Painter said. “They see more than others.”

The defensive effort

Illinois State entered Monday’s game shooting just under 51% from behind the three-point line. The Boilermakers took that away, holding the Redbirds to 5-of-25 from…

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Publish date : 2026-11-10 05:25:00

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