Purdue’s first experience on the basketball court this season didn’t quite go as planned. The Boilermakers dropped a 78-65 exhibition game to Kentucky on Friday, but senior Fletcher Loyer said that the top-10 clash was just a “quiz,” helping Purdue prepare for the regular season. Friday’s outcome is not uncommon for Purdue, which has lost three straight exhibition games to Power Four opponents. In 2023, the Boilers lost to Arkansas, and last year they fell to Creighton. Those results provided no real glimpse into Purdue’s season on either occasion. As competitors, Purdue certainly would have liked to leave Rupp Arena with a victory, but Loyer understands that Friday’s result will only help the team moving forward. “Obviously, nobody likes losing, so immediately you’re pissed off,” Loyer said. “But you have to take a step back and realize it’s a quiz leading up to the test. We have to get better. We have to fix small things, big things as well. It’s only going to help us improve.” Coach Matt Painter has talke
