The 2011 Puerto Rico Shootout is underway, and already two teams have advanced to the second round. First, Temple topped Western Michigan in a fairly easy 69-55 victory, and later, Purdue edged Iona, 91-90, in a thriller. That means Purdue and Temple will square off on Friday, with Iona taking on Western Michigan.
The Purdue-Iona game came down to the wire. After Arizona transfer Momo Jones gave Iona a two-point lead, Purdue called timeout and ran an excellent play to free Robbie Hummel up for a three-pointer with 22 seconds remaining. Jones turned the ball over on Iona's next possession, and despite two missed free throws, Purdue held on when Iona's half-court shot at the buzzer missed.
In the early game, Temple built a 16-point halftime lead and coasted to victory. The five Owls starters all scored in double figures, so it was a balanced effort that carried them to victory.