With 7-footer A.J. Hammons finally on the floor, Purdue and its imposing frontline embark on their first true test of the season.
The No. 21 Boilermakers look to continue their early success Saturday against undefeated Old Dominion in the semifinals of the Hall of Fame Tipoff at Uncasville, Connecticut.
Purdue (3-0) had little trouble rolling past North Carolina A&T, Vermont and Incarnate Word by an average of 34.7 points. The first two games came with Hammons, the team's top returning scorer and rebounder, out for reasons coach Matt Painter wouldn't divulge. The senior returned Wednesday to record eight points, six rebounds and three blocks in 15 minutes off the bench in the 96-61 rout of Incarnate Word.