Can we get a reset on 2023?
Can we get a reset on 2023?
A few notes as everyone settles in for the first work week of the year.
A few notes as everyone resets for the first work week of 2023.
A NEW YEAR’S HOMICIDE
Lafayette police were looking for a suspect Tuesday after finding Anthony Holdbrook shot and lying on the ground in the 800 block of North Seventh Street at 11:51 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1. Holdbrook was pronounced dead at a Lafayette hospital shortly after that, police said. Few details about the shooting or a possible motive were immediately available. For more, check accounts from WLFI and from the J&C.
BRUTAL DAY FOR PURDUE FOOTBALL
It wasn’t good sign during Monday’s Citrus Bowl when the broadcast booth concentrated on its extended, third-quarter conversation with new Purdue head football coach Ryan Walters instead of what was happening on the field Monday in Orlando. Then again, you knew what was up about the time Walters was asked to show off his Jordans, as LSU intercepted without comment on air, in a game already separated by six touchdowns and on its way to getting worse for a depleted Purdue team. Head coach gone, key players sitting this one out to get ready for the NFL Draft or already in the transfer portal and up against a serious SEC team in LSU. Still, 63-7 is draining.
Some reads from Orlando – none of them sugar-coated:
From J&C reporter Sam King: “After month of uncertainty, Purdue football season ends in disappointment”
From Gold & Black’s Tom Dienhart: “Ten observations: Purdue-LSU.”
From Gold & Black’s Brian Neubert, including how LSU coach Brian Kelly ran it up, turning to trick plays with his team up big: “The 3-2-1: Purdue's loss to LSU at the Citrus Bowl.”
Meanwhile, interim QB coach Drew Brees – Purdue great; NFL Hall of Famer, for sure – proved a hit with LSU players, who came looking for autographs from the former New Orleans Saints quarterback after the game.
AND THEN, AT MACKEY …
Monday marked the fourth consecutive week for the Purdue men’s basketball at No. 1 in the nation. Then, came Rutgers – again. Rutgers has beaten a No. 1 team twice in its history. Both times, it was Purdue. Last year on a half-court shot that went through with no time left on the clock. This year, Monday night, in a 65-64 win at Mackey. Some salve for Boilermaker fans after that bowl loss only seemed right. But that Big Ten’s for real, for sure. So, not on Monday.
Here’s Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel with a take on the game: “Matt Painter warned Rutgers was 'playing for keeps,' but No. 1 Purdue didn't listen.”
ICYMI: TALKING RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS
Last week, Based in Lafayette readers pitched recommendations for Lafayette/West Lafayette restaurants, along with a separate thread on the spot for the best pizza. If you missed it, or you checked in early on either one, they both hold up well if you’re looking to try something new in 2023 – or if you just want confirmation that your favorite joint is someone else’s, too. Here you go:
Tips or story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com. Also on Twitter and Instagram.