Once again, the Rivalry is here. The Boilers drew first blood in West Lafayette a few weeks ago, but probably need tonight's game a lot more than Indiana does in terms of the NCAA Tournament. The Hoosiers are probably going barring an unexpected total collapse. Purdue has work to do, as most experts believe the Boilers need a quality true road win to earn its way into the field. Fortunately, a win in Assembly Hall would meet that qualification.
Opponent: |
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From: |
Bloomington, IN |
Date: |
2/19/2015 |
Venue: |
Assembly Hall (17,472) |
V: |
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Radio Stream: |
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Satellite Radio: |
SIRI 136, XM |
Odds: |
Indiana by 5 |
Tickets: |
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Tipoff: |
7pm |
KenPom Ranking: |
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RPI: |
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Blog Representation: |
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2014-15 Record: |
18-8, 8-5 |
All-time series |
Purdue leads 114-88 |
Last Purdue win: |
83-67 at Purdue on 1/28/2015 |
Last Indiana Win: |
83-55 at Indiana on 2/16/2013 |
2013-14 Record: |
17-15, 7-11 Big Ten |
Last NCAA appearance: |
2013 (5-time NCAA Champions) |
Coach: |
Tom Crean (309-201 overall, 119-105 at Indiana) |
The same things that applied to this preview three weeks ago apply today, but at least we have a blueprint on what needs to be done for Purdue to win. The biggest difference is this time the Hoosiers have the services of Hanner Mosquera-Perea as a real, live post player to battle A.J. Hammons and Isaac Haas. At only 6'9" 225 pounds he is not the physically imposing post player that Hammons or Haas is, but he is extremely athletic and is probably better than any option they had the first time around.
Indiana has also added Jordan Fuchs, a 6'6" tight end from the football team, to the roster. He only played two minutes in Sunday's win over Minnesota, but at minimum he gives Indiana some toughness and five more fouls to throw at Hammons and Haas.
Aside from that, many of the things are the same. After Indiana hit 18 three-pointers against the Gophers it is clear that Purdue's perimeter defense needs to be repeated from the game in Mackey Arena. Hammons and Haas also need to continue to be dominant on the interior. They are not going to get the same calls that they got at home. Foul trouble could be a major concern for both of them because, well, that tends to happen in Bloomington.
Like before, this game could get out of hand either way. Hammons and Haas only combined for 15 points and 3 rebounds the first time, but it was their defensive presence that made a huge difference. They need to stay out of foul trouble and hope that Indiana continues to recklessly drive the lane instead of shoot more mid-range jumpers.
Also, what will be Bryson Scott's role? He has scored a single point and barely played since the IU game, but was a huge factor in our victory with his defense and energy. Does coach Painter release him from his cage? He was a huge reason Purdue shot 58% from the field because he established an attack mentality for everyone.
That's what Purdue needs to do. They need to keep attacking, let Haas and Hammons defend the rim, and everyone else has to play strong perimeter defense. If Purdue replicates it effort from the first game, it wins. If the Ghosts of Banners Past become a factor and guys like Kevin Ferrell James Blackmon get hot the crowd that was such a benefit in West Lafayette will be against us. This easily could end up with another 83-67 score, but the other way around.
Let's hope we hear the greatest sound ever heard at Assembly Hall.