Purdue 80, Mich. St. 63 - Purdue Looms Large

Going into Purdue’s rematch, the signs were there. A down year for Michigan State. A double-digit road win against the Spartans already under their belts. Freshly perched on top of the Big 10 standings after a couple surprising outcomes last week. This had all the looks of a trap game, a hiccup, a trip just in front of the finish line.

Instead, Purdue trounced Michigan State

On paper, Purdue just looks too big for Michigan State. On the court, they were just too big for Michigan State. Once again, Haas and Swanigan dominated inside, fouling Nick Ward out in just 12 minutes of action. Kenny Goins also fouled out in just 22 minutes of action.

But that doesn’t event ell the full story of the inside domination of Isaac Haas, Caleb Swanigan, and Vincent Edwards. Caleb Swanigan left the game with yet another double-double. He scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against the school he had once committed. He connected on 9 of his 10 free throws while assisting on 5 shots. HE ONLY TURNED THE BALL OVER 1 TIME.

Isaac Haas was somehow even more efficient, scoring 8 of 11 from the field on his way to 18 points. Continuuing his strong play of late. Vincent Edwards scored 12 as the only other Boilermaker to score in double figures.

The Spartans never got it going against a tough and tall Purdue defense. After Bridges showing in Breslin against the Boilers, he came in firing, but was held to just 14 points, staying hot from deep though knocking down 4 of 6 from distance. Overall, the Spartans tried to rely on their 3-pt shot and it didn’t work. They were just 9 of 27 for the game.

A scary second half moment when Elon Harris went to the ground from an apparent knee injury when Ward came crashing down onto him stopped play as the Indiana kid was stretchered off the floor. No official word on the depths of his injuries.

The numbers don’t really tell the full story in this one. Michigan State technically outrebounded Purdue 32-31, but Purdue only turned the ball over 10 times compared to the Spartan’s 15 despite an aggressive full court press being implemented in the second half.

Purdue’s guards had a quiet night, as the game plan was simple and effective. Get the ball to the big men. But a bright spot in the back court was Spike’s reemergence as a jump shooter. He only took two shots, but nailed an open 3 with confidence, and then pump-faked his way to a pull-up jumper on the baseline.

The Boilermakers move 22-5 on the season and 10-3 in conference play, tied atop the B10 standings.

They go to Penn State on Tuesday.