:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62347551/usa_today_10730084.0.jpg)
Well, this will be fun. After a pair of relative easy home games and two neutral court wins over mid-majors it is time to figure out if our Boilermakers are ready. The Hokies are an experienced team that is very versatile. Nickeil Alexander-Walder, Kerry Blackshear Jr., and Justin Robinson are challenging, athletic players that can score in a variety of ways. Blackshear is 6’10” center that is going to drag Matt Haarms all over the floor defensively. Alexander-Walker and Robinson are big guards that will be very tough to defend.
Of course, we still have Carsen Edwards, who happens to be very good at basketball. Ryan Cline has played the best basketball of his career and we seem to be coming together a bit.
This should be a fun one. A Purdue win will be banked as a quality win for March. Even a loss is not a bad one. This is a great test before a brutal stretch of schedule coming up.
From: Blacksburg, Virginia
Game Location: TD Arena (5,100)
Date: November 18, 2018
Time: 8:30pm ET
TV: ESPN2
Radio: Boilermaker Sports Network
Odds: No Line Yet
KenPom: 22
2017-18 Record: 21-12, 10-8 ACC (lost to Alabama 86-83 in NCAA Tournament First Round)
2018-19 Record: 3-0, 0-0 Atlantic 10
Record vs. Purdue: Virginia Tech Leads 1-2
Last Purdue win: 79-76 at Virginia Tech on 12/1/2010
Last Virginia Tech win: 79-63 at Virginia Tech on 12/3/1966
Blog Representation: Gobbler Country
NCAA Tournament History: 10 appearances, 1967 Elite Eight
Coach: Buzz Williams (77-60 in 5th season at Virginia Tech, 230-146 in 12th season overall)