When Purdue announced its exhibition schedule for the 2026-27 season, some may have scratched their heads. Why would Matt Painter take his team on the road to play Purdue-Fort Wayne when it has a chance to potentially sell out Mackey Arena? The longtime leader of the Boilers likes taking his team on the road early, and Fort Wayne coach Jon Coffman was appreciative of it.
Purdue defeated Fort Wayne 92-62 at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on Thursday. After the game, Coffman gave Painter plenty of credit for taking his team on the road.
“That was awesome that he brought his team [here],” Coffman said following the game. “Honestly, every Power Four [team] ought to do what Matt did. I don’t know why they’re not doing it. It’s great for college basketball. Go do this; it’s awesome. Butler needs to be doing it, Indiana needs to be doing it, Notre Dame did it two years ago. It needs to happen.”…