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Moore, Purdue survive late comeback

Nov 27, 2008 - 4:56 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Purdue built a big lead, then relied on its stingy defense to hold off Boston College.

E'Twaun Moore scored 14 of his 19 points in the first-half and No. 8 Purdue held on for a 71-64 victory over Boston College in the semifinals of the NIT Season Tip-Off on Wednesday.

JaJuan Johnson scored 12 points for the Boilermakers (5-0), who had four players in double figures and are off to their best start since 2004.

"We all look for each other," said Keaton Grant, who had 11 points and five rebounds. "We don't feel like one guy is the man. We looked for each other and tried to get open shots."

Tyrese Rice scored 17 points for the Golden Eagles (3-2), who hung around at the end despite shooting just 38 percent from the floor (22-of-57).

"They constantly put pressure on us," Boston College coach Al Skinner said. "(They) constantly kept the defense up."

The Boilermakers opened the second half on a 17-8 run and went ahead by as many as 20 points with seven minutes left, seemingly taking control for good.

However, Purdue went cold and the Golden Eagles stormed back with an 18-4 run capped by a pair of free throws from Rice that made it 64-58 with just under two minutes left. Boston College had a chance to pull within four, but Corey Raji was called for an offensive foul with 1:05 remaining.

"Sure you get anxious," Purdue head coach Matt Painter said of the late rally. "You have to understand you went from a big lead to a two-possession lead. We have some guys who have experience and know what to do in those situations."

Raji's turnover was the Eagles' 16th - a season-high.

"Our biggest issue was I don't think at times we showed the patience we needed at the offensive end," Skinner said. "We had a number of turnovers trying to make things happen."

The Boilermakers then converted their final seven free throws to seal the win.

Purdue will face No. 11 Oklahoma in the championship game on Friday. The Sooners beat Alabama-Birmingham, 77-67, on Friday.