Hammer and Rails - 2012 ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Purdue vs. ClemsonPurdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2012-11-28T21:44:28-05:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/34667052012-11-28T21:44:28-05:002012-11-28T21:44:28-05:00Purdue 73, Clemson 61: The Boilers Grow Up
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<figcaption>Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>D.J. Byrd leads Purdue to a much needed road victory. </p> <p></p>
<p>It remains to be seen if Clemson is going to be an NCAA Tournament team. The Tigers were missing their top scorer tonight, but Purdue went on the road to a place that they had lost at five years ago with a similar type of team and won a game that was badly needed in the left-hand column. Sure, Purdue did not close the best, winning by only 12 after leading by 23 early in the second half, but it was still a win, and that is all that matters.</p>
<p>The three losses to Bucknell, Villanova, and Oregon State showed that this was a young team that didn't quite know how to close. Tonight it was helpful that a 20-point halftime lead allowed for some mistakes (and there were a lot), but Purdue still made the plays that it needed to. The lead only dipped into single digits once in the final minute. While things looked dicey and had us thinking back to last year's losses to Xavier and butler Purdue still was able to answer and make sure things did not spiral out of control like those games.</p>
<p>Most importantly, everyone got involved.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99923/d-j-byrd">D.J. Byrd</a> - </b>Byrd nearly outscored the tigers in the first half by himself. The kid was lights out hitting his first five threes and the single-game record for threes held by Cuonzo Martin and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/26733/robbie-hummel">Robbie Hummel</a> was in danger in the second half. Clemson got out on him and held him to two points in the second half but he got back to being the dangerous D.J. that shoots in rhythm and doesn't force things. That's what made him so good in Big Ten play last season.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124178/terone-johnson">Terone Johnson</a> - </b>TJ had a very quiet 13 points, but he was the calm, elder presence on the floor that provided a big basket more than once when Clemson made a run. At the 12:18 mark when Clemson was on a mini 4-0 run to cut it to 13 he hit a nice shot to push it back to 15. The same was true at the 6:20 mark when the lead was only 11 and we needed a basket to stem another tide. In fact, if he doesn't score at the 6:10 mark and Clemson goes down to cut it to nine or eight then it is possible we're looking at another Butler/Xavier situation.</p>
<p>Let's not forget TJ had six assists too.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175133/a-j-hammons">A.J. Hammons</a> - </b>Big A.J gave us 10 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and two assists. As some said, freshman Hammons might be better than freshman JJ. He's going to be playing more minutes so I sure hope so. So far he has been the best of the freshmen.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175129/ronnie-johnson">Ronnie Johnson</a> - </b>RJ played some very smart basketball tonight. More than once he held up a break where the numbers were not there and it paid off with a later basket. He didn't try to force things like so many freshmen do. He finished with 10 points, three assists, and seven rebounds off the bench. More importantly, he had one turnover in his first career true road game.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145962/jacob-lawson">Jacob Lawson</a> - </b>He battled foul trouble, but when he was in there he had six points, four rebounds, two assists, and continued to look like a completely different player from last year.</p>
<p><b>Matt Painter - </b>If you noticed, Painter shortened the lineups a bit tonight. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99925/sandi-marcius">Sandi Marcius</a> stayed on the bench (though I think he will play later on depending on the situation). <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145960/donnie-hale">Donnie Hale</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175135/jay-simpson">Jay Simpson</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175137/rapheal-davis">Rapheal Davis</a> didn't play a lot (13 total minutes). It looks like a regular 7-8 man rotation is coming together with the three Johnson, Byrd, Hammons, Lawson, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124179/travis-carroll">Travis Carroll</a>, and Hale. Davis, Simpson, Marcius, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99921/dru-anthrop">Dru Anthrop</a> will still be there if needed too and Painter has shown he is not afraid to call on someone else if needed. All you need to remember is John Hart at Illinois.</p>
<p><b>Free Throws and three-point shooting - </b>We were 9 of 11 at the line before the late foul fest and we shot 44% from long range. That is light years better than before.</p>
<p><b>Rebounding - </b>Purdue won the glass 38-23 and had nine offensive rebounds. That is how you win these games. It is a relief to see Purdue owning the glass and limiting second chance opportunities. Those killed the Boilers in the first four games.</p>
<p><b>Clemson's shooting - </b>Games are a lot more fun to watch when the other team can't hit threes or shoots poorly from the line. Clemson was 55% from the line and 17% from long range. Devin Booker was the only one that did much damage, and we limited him after a fast start.</p>
<p><b>Final Thoughts:</b></p>
<p>This is not the best win in the history of basketball. This Clemson team was missing its leading scorer and got punched in the mouth early by an on fire D.J. Byrd. They never fully recovered. That said, this was an extremely important win because it showed that Purdue has grown after a rough start. Yes, there were rough edges at the end still, but Purdue locked up a double-digit win over a major conference opponent on the road. Clemson is a good team and could challenge for an NCAA bid too, so it is a win that can stay in the bank and hopefully grow some escrow.</p>
<p>More importantly, Purdue learned how to win. It now knows it can close games without the "here we go again" coming to the fore like it did against Villanova and Oregon State. The next step is to keep that momentum going to get a good win on Saturday against a good Xavier team that is also an NCAA threat. Getting back over .500 and having two nice wins against one of the more difficult early schedules as a whole in the conference would be very big for this young team. More importantly, it would give us two of the three wins we need against the Clemson-Xavier-Notre Dame-West Virginia non-conference quartet.</p>
<p>This team needs to keep growing. Facing a press or a zone is a maddening experience, especially when Purdue gave up a 9-0 run in about 3.4 seconds against the press. Clemson played some pretty good defense, but we were better when it mattered. For now, let's enjoy a night where Purdue basketball was fun again.</p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/28/3704622/purdue-73-clemson-61-the-boilers-grow-upBoilerTMill2012-11-28T18:15:02-05:002012-11-28T18:15:02-05:00ACC/B1G Challenge: Purdue at Clemson GameThread
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<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
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<p>Purdue puts a three-game win streak in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on the line.</p> <p><br>I feel this is a must-win game for Purdue. As usual, 20 wins is likely the magic number to get into the NCAA Tournament this season. If Purdue can scarp its way to a 10-8 finish in the Big Ten season the RPI should be high enough to qualify, but there need to be a few non-conference wins with some heft. Right now, Purdue has four chances against Clemson, Xavier, Notre Dame, and West Virginia to get those wins.</p>
<p>I think the Boilers need to win at least three of those to erase the slow 1-3 start. Fortunately, we caught a break tonight with Milton Jennings getting himself suspended for Clemson. Their leading scorer will not be on the floor, so Purdue must take advantage.</p>
<p>The Big Ten has won three of these challenges in a row and Purdue has been part of that by winning their last three games in the Challenge. Let's make it four, as the Big Ten is already up 4-2.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/28/3702726/2012-acc-big-ten-challenge-purdue-at-clemson-gamethreadBoilerTMill2012-11-28T14:12:52-05:002012-11-28T14:12:52-05:00Milton Jennings Suspended
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<figcaption>Streeter Lecka</figcaption>
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<p>Clemson's leading scorer is out for tonight's game vs. Purdue. </p> <p>Purdue just caught itself a big break for tonight's game at Clemson. The Tigers will now be without their leading scorer as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99790/milton-jennings">Milton Jennings</a> was suspended for "a violation of team rules <a href="http://www.orangeandwhite.com/news/2012/nov/28/milton-jennings-suspended-accbig-10-clash-purdue/?partner=RSS">that was not explained</a>":</p>
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<p>According to Pickens County arrest records, Jennings was arrested Wednesday for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of hash – first offense. He was released on a $620 personal recognizance bond.</p>
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<p>This is not the first arrest for Jennings. He was a five-star McDonald's All-American that signed with Clemson four years ago, but has not had the best career to date. This will be his third suspension in the last 13 months. He was suspended for an on-court altercation last year as well as for academics.</p>
<p>Jennings leads the Tigers by averaging 10.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He is second in rebounding and in assists, so this is a pretty big loss, especially as a senior leader. He's also a 46% three-point shooter and averages 1.6 steals per game.</p>
<p>No word on if there was littering involved.</p>
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none; position: absolute; top: -1000px; left: -1001px;">The <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=sports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Anderson+Independent-Mail%22">Anderson Independent-Mail</a> reported (<a href="http://bit.ly/Tr6wuk%29">http://bit.ly/Tr6wuk)</a> that Pickens County records show Jennings was arrested Wednesday for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of hash.<span><br><br>Read more: <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Clemson-s-Jennings-suspended-for-Purdue-game-4074085.php#ixzz2DXuE6GkU">http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Clemson-s-Jennings-suspended-for-Purdue-game-4074085.php#ixzz2DXuE6GkU</a></span><br>
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<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none; position: absolute; top: -1000px; left: -1001px;">The <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=sports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Anderson+Independent-Mail%22">Anderson Independent-Mail</a> reported (<a href="http://bit.ly/Tr6wuk%29">http://bit.ly/Tr6wuk)</a> that Pickens County records show Jennings was arrested Wednesday for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of hash.<span><br><br>Read more: <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Clemson-s-Jennings-suspended-for-Purdue-game-4074085.php#ixzz2DXuE6GkU">http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Clemson-s-Jennings-suspended-for-Purdue-game-4074085.php#ixzz2DXuE6GkU</a></span><br>
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<p align="center"><br><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/b8CmvbZBM8Y" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1354129926620"></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/28/3702676/2012-acc-big-ten-challenge-purdue-clemson-milton-jennings-suspendedBoilerTMill2012-11-27T15:16:05-05:002012-11-27T15:16:05-05:002012 ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Purdue vs. Clemson
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Purdue faces Clemson for a third time in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.</p> <p></p>
<p>For the second time in the history of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge Purdue will head to Clemson. The Boilermakers have won three games in a row in the challenge, helping the Big Ten win each time. Before that Purdue was 2-6 all-time as the challenge coincided with the dreadful end of the Gene Keady era.</p>
<p>This is the third time Purdue and Clemson have played in the challenge with each team winning on its home court. Purdue won 76-64 in the 2003 challenge at Mackey Arena while Clemson won 61-58 over the Baby Boilers in 2007, mostly because <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/26732/chris-kramer">Chris Kramer</a> knocked himself silly on the basket support in the second half and deprived Purdue of key leadership late.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/clemson-tigers">Clemson Tigers</a></b></p>
<p><b>Location: </b><b>Clemson</b><b>, </b><b>SC</b></p>
<p><b>2011-12 record: 16-15, 8-8 ACC</b></p>
<p><b>2012-13 Record: 4-1</b></p>
<p><b>RPI</b><b>: <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/rankings/rpi/index2">174 (Purdue is 215)</a></b></p>
<p><b>2012 Postseason: None</b></p>
<p><b>Blog Representation: <a href="http://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Shakin' the Southland</a></b></p>
<p><b>Series With Purdue: Clemson leads 3-1</b></p>
<p><b>Last Purdue win: 76-64 at Purdue on </b><b>12/3/2003</b></p>
<p><b>Last Clemson win: 61-58 at Clemson on </b><b>11/27/2007</b></p>
<p><b>Time: </b><b>7:15pm</b></p>
<p><b>TV: ESPNU</b></p>
<p><b>Odds: <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaab/purdue-clemson-odds-november-28-2012">Clemson by 6</a></b></p>
<p>Clemson is off to a 4-1 start this season but has played just one decent opponent. They lost 57-49 to Gonzaga in the Old Spice Classic (which Purdue will play in next year) in Orlando. The Tigers beat UTEP and Marist in the consolations rounds, and those two teams are a combined 3-7. Clemson opened this season with a 77-44 win over Presbyterian (who is 0-6) and at Furman 72-55 (who is 2-3).</p>
<p>It is clear that Purdue has played a much tougher schedule with Bucknell and Oregon State being top 60 RPI teams, but it is still very early. It looks like this will be an even matchup, and both teams will see their RPIs go up as the stronger conference schedules ahead provide a boost.</p>
<p>Clemson is a very balanced team with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99790/milton-jennings">Milton Jennings</a> (10.8 ppg), Devin Booker (10.4 ppg), and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145215/k-j-mcdaniels">K.J. McDaniels</a> (10.4 ppg) as their three leading scorers. Clemson only averages 65 points per game, which is 235<sup>th</sup> in Division 1. They are a patient team, however, shooting 46.3% from the field.</p>
<p>An advantage they have is that Jennings and Booker are both senior bigs that have been four-year players over the course of their careers. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175135/jay-simpson">Jay Simpson</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145960/donnie-hale">Donnie Hale</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175133/a-j-hammons">A.J. Hammons</a> cannot come close to their experience and guile in the post, so this should be a very good test for their youth. The same is true for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145962/jacob-lawson">Jacob Lawson</a>. McDaniels is also a 6'6" small forward that may play <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99923/d-j-byrd">D.J. Byrd</a> straight up.</p>
<p>As you can see, their strength is in the front court. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145077/damarcus-harrison">Damarcus Harrison</a> and Adonis Flier give them very young guards to go up against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175129/ronnie-johnson">Ronnie Johnson</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124178/terone-johnson">Terone Johnson</a>. Sophomore rod Hall also leads the team in assists at 4.4 per game. Clemson does not shoot a lot of threes (29 of 71), but Jennings and McDaniels present a matchup problem because they have hit roughly half of Clemson's triples as a team.</p>
<p>Filer may be a familiar name to some Purdue fans. In 2011 he led Hammond Noll to a Class 2A State Runner-up finish. Hammond Noll was 26-1 that season with the only loss coming by a point to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175023/kevin-ferrell">Kevin Ferrell</a> and Trevon Bluiett's Park Tudor team. Filer averaged 16 points per game that season and had 19 points and seven rebounds in the title game, but missed the <a href="http://www.ihsaa.org/Portals/0/boys%20sports/boys%20basketball/2010-11/10112ABox.htm#GAME.PLY">last second putback for the win</a>. Purdue actually showed some interest in him, but he went to prep school before surfacing at Clemson as a freshman this year.</p>
<p>Booker, Jennings, and McDaniels are also the top rebounders, but Purdue has been the better rebounding team against better competition. Clemson will take care of the ball (only nine turnovers per game) and their defense is forcing six steals per contest. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145210/t-j-sapp">T.J. Sapp</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/180207/jordan-roper">Jordan Roper</a> are both dangerous three-point options off the bench as well.</p>
<p>This will be an interesting matchup because the teams are almost mirror images. That often means it comes down to shooting and free throws. Clemson is 40% from long range and 66% from the line. Purdue is 25% from three and 64.6 from the line.</p>
<p>This is pretty much a must-win for Purdue if it is going to the NCAA Tournament. A true road win over a major conference opponent is like gold. Since we've already missed on three chances for a decent non-conference win we cannot afford to miss on this one or on Saturday against Xavier. I feel like this is the tipping point for the season. Come out of the next two games at 4-3 and we're all feeling pretty good again. Come out of it at 2-5 and suddenly the NIT looks like an uphill battle.</p>
<p>Purdue has been the higher scoring team and the better rebounding team so far, so I think the Boilers get it done somehow. <b>Purdue 71, Clemson 68</b></p>
<p><b>Picking the other games:</b></p>
<p><b>Florida State over Minnesota - </b>I think the Seminoles learned a lot from an early loss to South Alabama.</p>
<p><b>Iowa over Virginia Tech - </b>The Hawkeyes have struggled, but they are finding ways to win.</p>
<p><b>Michigan over NC State - </b>How on earth was NC State considered a top 10 team?</p>
<p><b>Wake Forest over Nebraska - </b>Never trust Nebrasketball on the road.</p>
<p><b>Maryland over Northwestern </b>- Worry Willie, no quality win for you.</p>
<p><b>Indiana over North Carolina - </b>Never bet against Indiana in "The Hall of Calls".</p>
<p><b>Wisconsin over Virginia - </b>How about giving the Badgers a challenge?</p>
<p><b>Michigan State over Miami - </b>Michigan State lost to Connecticut. Miami lost to Florida... Gulf Coast. Ouch</p>
<p><b>Illinois over Georgia Tech - </b>John Groce for early COTY in the B1G!</p>
<p><b>Boston College over Penn State - </b>Penn State at least had some fight inbeating Bucknell.</p>
<p><b>Duke over Ohio State - </b>The Buckeyes finally get exposed. No way they are a top 5 team.</p>
<p>Big Ten wins 7-5.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/11/27/3698532/2012-acc-big-ten-challenge-purdue-vs-clemsonBoilerTMill