Big Ten men's roundup: Kramer does what it takes to lift Purdue

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Last update: March 2, 2008 - 12:40 AM

Rarely does a coach preach the value of a player who had one basket in a 25-point victory.

Purdue's Matt Painter gladly did just that for Chris Kramer on Saturday.

The sophomore captain had six steals and three assists, and No. 16 Purdue beat Northwestern 68-43 in West Lafayette, Ind., to move into a tie with Wisconsin for first place in the Big Ten.

Kramer's steals all came in the first half when Purdue couldn't shoot straight. Northwestern led for most of the half, but Purdue finally pulled ahead on a three-pointer by Marcus Green with 2 minutes, 13 seconds left that made it 24-23.

With the score 24-23, Northwestern had a chance to take the lead at halftime, but Kramer blocked Nikola Baran's three-point attempt as time expired.

"Getting six steals in a half, in a possession-type game -- it's amazing," Painter said. "He's a very good player. He's the best defensive player in our league."

Purdue shot 62 percent in the second half to pull away. When Kramer left the game with 5:27 to play, the crowd was nearly silent.

"People don't understand or appreciate guys that play defense," an annoyed Painter said. "It's only people who play the game, coached the game or just been around the game and understand it."

Illinois 58, Iowa 47: Shaun Pruitt scored 18 points as the visiting Illini (12-17, 4-12) defeated the Hawkeyes (12-18, 5-12). The Illini took control with a 16-5 run in first half. Iowa cut the lead to 45-40 but could get no closer. Tony Freeman led Iowa with 21 points.

Penn State 69, Michigan 61: Talor Battle scored 28 points as the Nittany Lions (14-14, 6-10) beat the visiting Wolverines (9-20, 5-12).

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