2021 forward Yanni Karlaftis stole the show with 10 points in the first quarter, and West Lafayette rolled over McCutcheon in the season opener for both teams. (Pictured: Dravyn Lawhorn)

Karlaftis, a high-major football prospect, asserted himself early and often. His aggressiveness and scoring put McCutcheon on its heels from the tip. The Mavs didn't have the size to counteract Karlaftis in the lane, and he took advantage of it.

McCutcheon struggled to find any rhythm against West Lafayette's zone. Rowen Farrell, a senior sharp shooter, is still rehabbing an ACL injury from the summer. He is expected back later in the season. Without Farrell, McCutcheon doesn't have a zone buster. Junior guard Joe Phinisee scored the opening basket of the game, but West Lafayette kept him in check after that.

West Lafayette led 28-16 at halftime behind the play of Karlaftis and Tyler Boyle. Boyle carried the offense in the second quarter. The duo scored 22 first-half points. Boyle made an impact on the defensive end as he finished with four takeaways.

Boyle pushed West Lafayette's lead to 32-19 midway through the third quarter. From there, McCutcheon showed life. Dravyn Lawhorn, a freshman for the Mavs, and Drew Loy connected on three-pointers to end the third frame. Then James Mallett opened the fourth quarter with a couple of free throws to cut West Lafayette's lead to 32-27.

The McCutcheon run was ended by Karlaftis. He scored the next 10 points of the game from there. He was unstoppable going to the basket. He finished with 21 points, six rebounds, two blocks, a steal, and an assist.

West Lafayette won going away 43-29.

Tyler Boyle finished with 14 points and four steals. Harrison Truitt added two points and six rebounds. Mo Omonode collected seven rebounds as well. Will Lasater tallied three points, four rebounds, and two assists.

McCutcheon was led by Drew Loy's eight points and six rebounds. Dravyn Lawhorn finished with five points in his high school debute. He was never able to get easy scoring looks against the zone defense. James Mallett added five points and nine rebounds.