Hammer and Rails - The Rivalry: Indiana Vs. Purdue 2013Purdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2013-02-17T12:05:43-05:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/36973952013-02-17T12:05:43-05:002013-02-17T12:05:43-05:00Purdue Recap: Boilers Get Blown Out At Indiana
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Another painful loss at the hands of instate rival IU</p> <p>The losses keep stacking up for Matt Painter's crew when Purdue traveled down to Assembly Hall in Bloomington to receive another blowout beat-down. This will be a tough write-up, because I honestly maybe saw five minutes of good Purdue basketball. The lack of unity amongst players showed, silly shots were taken, the whose-the-go-to-scorer question popped up again, and, what absolutely made me sick, was the lack of heart and effort showed by our starters. It was sickening to watch at times.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175133/a-j-hammons">A.J. Hammons</a> was a no show this game on both ends of the court and played just like he did when we went to Northwestern on February 2nd, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99923/d-j-byrd">D.J. Byrd</a> was a turnover and bad shot machine, Raphael Davis fouled out after doing nothing, and the only guys who seemed to give a shit were <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99925/sandi-marcius">Sandi Marcius</a>, Anthony Johnson (even though he played terribly), the Johnson brothers (also played like turds), and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145962/jacob-lawson">Jacob Lawson</a>. It was a pitiful show all around.</p>
<p>There were stretches where we were able to hang in against the Hoosiers, however. The middle of the first half and beginning of the second Purdue played some solid defense against IU, but were unable to score any buckets. After that stretch where neither team could earlly score, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123695/will-sheehey">Will Sheehey</a> went off where he hit 100% of his shots to score 22 points. After that, it was all history.</p>
<p>During that period, we saw some solid play by the Chooch train; he bodied up and played physical against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145499/cody-zeller">Cody Zeller</a>, rebounded hard, and played with heart and passion. Marcius finished the game with 7 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and an assist. Outside of Chooch, there weren't many stat lines to stand up about. Anthony and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124178/terone-johnson">Terone Johnson</a> scored eleven points each, but TJ took 12 shots to get there and Anthony took 8.</p>
<p>Purdue basketball is looking like it's becoming less and less fun and once the fun is taken out of the game, then why would anyone want to play in this situation? No one wants to be blown out at any level of competition. Purdue needs to get back to playing with heart and having fun. When you can do those things, other parts of basketball will come. If you aren't invested in the game and don't want to be out on the court, well, you saw what happened yesterday. That's just a theory I have, who knows if there is any truth behind it.</p>
<p>Regardless, this season becomes more and more difficult to watch. With only five games left, Purdue needs to focus on pushing out the negatives of the season and play these last five games like the season just started and records don't matter. We need to play with heart, passion, and keep prepping for the future. These games will most likely be frustrating, let's be honest. Hopefully Purdue can find the fun in basketball again; for their sake and ours.</p>
<p>Being from Bloomington, IN, nothing makes me more miserable than losing to IU in anything, especially in blowout fashion. So during the last few minutes of the game I turned to Youtube to try and keep my head up by watching a 61 year old man, who looks like a gopher, dance to Ke$ha. Thank you, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzgXEtUcy5c">Tubby Smith, for bringing some joy to my life after the game.</a></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/2/17/3998070/purdue-recap-boilers-get-blown-out-at-indianaSlandrey2013-02-16T16:42:04-05:002013-02-16T16:42:04-05:00Indiana 83, Purdue 55: Your Postgame Vent Thread
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<p>As expected, the Hoosiers got an easy win over the Boilers. </p> <p>While we wait for Steve to do the Game Wrap later (I am covering a high school game tonight) here is your thread for postgame venting. Early on it looked as if the unmerciful beating we were expecting, but for the first time in ages it looked as if Purdue showed a little heart and some fight. They got it to 37-27 and had the ball. The halftime lead was only 12 and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123694/victor-oladipo">Victor Oladipo</a>, only the possible best player in the country, was out.</p>
<p>Then we repeated the second half in Mackey.</p>
<p>Some quick observations:</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99923/d-j-byrd">D.J. Byrd</a> needs to be done as a starter. Bring him off the bench, but it is time to go young.</li>
<li>Maybe the light is going on for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99925/sandi-marcius">Sandi Marcius</a>, as he has played well in two straight games.</li>
<li>Hammons is only as good as how much his give-a-shit is turned on.</li>
<li>Things were at least slightly better today, but there is an incredibly long way to go. </li>
</ul>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/2/16/3996302/indiana-83-purdue-55-your-postgame-vent-threadBoilerTMill2013-02-16T13:00:09-05:002013-02-16T13:00:09-05:00Purdue At Indiana GameThread: The Horror
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<figcaption>Michael Hickey</figcaption>
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<p>Once again, there will be blood. Prepare accordingly.</p> <p><br>We're either about to see one of the greatest upsets in Purdue basketball history or an unmerciful beating. All I can leave you with is <a href="http://php.jconline.com/blogs/jeff/matt-painters-state-of-the-program/">Matt Painter's comments yesterday</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p>"When you walk into a program and you have guys like E’Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/26733/robbie-hummel" class="sbn-auto-link">Robbie Hummel</a>, sure they are good players, but they are hard-working players. They put in a lot of time and have the work ethic. IU has a great culture, and ours has slipped. That is what we have to get back. We have a couple of guys who work at it, but my reference point is always the guys that we have had. Do we have somebody on our team who works as hard as Rob Hummel? We don’t."</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Indiana Hoosiers</strong></p>
<p><strong>Location: Bloomington, IN</strong></p>
<p><strong>2011-12 record: 27-9, 11-7 Big Ten </strong></p>
<p><strong>2012-13 Record: 22-3, 10-2 Big Ten</strong></p>
<p><strong>RPI: 12</strong></p>
<p><strong>2012 Postseason: Lost to Kentucky 102-90 in NCAA Sweet 16</strong></p>
<p><strong>Blog Representation: </strong><a href="http://www.crimsonquarry.com/2013/2/15/3989302/indiana-v-purdue-round-2http:/www.crimsonquarry.com/2013/1/30/3923936/indiana-hoosiers-v-purdue-boilermakers-preview"><strong>Crimson Quarry</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.insidethehall.com/2013/01/30/what-to-expect-purdue-2/"><strong>Inside the Hall</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://hoosierhoopsreport.com/2013/01/4474"><strong>Hoosier Hoops Report</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.crimsoncast.com/"><strong>Crimson Cast</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Series With Purdue: Purdue Leads 112-87</strong></p>
<p><strong>Last Purdue win: 72-61 at Indiana on 2/23/2011</strong></p>
<p><strong>Last Indiana win: 97-60 at Purdue on 1/30/2013</strong></p>
<p><strong>Time: 2pm</strong></p>
<p><strong>TV: ESPN</strong></p>
<p><strong>Odds: </strong><a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaab/purdue-indiana-odds-february-16-2013">Indiana by 19 (They will cover. Easily)</a></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/2/16/3995166/purdue-at-indiana-gamethread-the-horrorBoilerTMill2013-02-15T13:51:45-05:002013-02-15T13:51:45-05:00Purdue At Indiana: Round 2
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<figcaption>Michael Hickey</figcaption>
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<p>Does anyone know what Purdue's largest margin of defeat is? I think it may change Saturday. </p> <p></p>
<p>Tomorrow is not going to be pretty.</p>
<p>In one corner you have an Indiana team that is humming on all offensive cylinders, playing team basketball, is defending well, and is currently ranked No. 1 in the country. They are playing in a building where they are invincible against anyone not named Bo Ryan and there will be a rabid crowd supporting their best team in decades going against a hated rival.</p>
<p>In the other corner you have a Purdue team that has lost four of its last five games and the one win was over a team that is 0-12 in league play. Purdue has not only played bad basketball, but they have been listless and appear to be a leaderless team playing with no cohesion, heart, or hustle. Offense has been an issue all season, but now rebounding and hustle are major issues, making a team that had been showing signs of progress as recently as a month ago look awful.</p>
<p>Again, it is not going to be pretty.</p>
<p><b>Indiana</b><b> Hoosiers</b></p>
<p><b>Location: </b><b>Bloomington</b><b>, </b><b>IN</b></p>
<p><b>2011-12 record: 27-9, 11-7 Big Ten </b></p>
<p><b>2012-13 Record: 22-3, 10-2 Big Ten</b></p>
<p><b>RPI</b><b>: 12</b></p>
<p><b>2012 Postseason: Lost to </b><b>Kentucky</b><b> 102-90 in NCAA Sweet 16</b></p>
<p><b>Blog Representation: <a href="http://www.crimsonquarry.com/2013/2/15/3989302/indiana-v-purdue-round-2http:/www.crimsonquarry.com/2013/1/30/3923936/indiana-hoosiers-v-purdue-boilermakers-preview">Crimson Quarry</a>, <a href="http://www.insidethehall.com/2013/01/30/what-to-expect-purdue-2/">Inside the Hall</a>, <a href="http://hoosierhoopsreport.com/2013/01/4474">Hoosier Hoops Report</a>, <a href="http://www.crimsoncast.com/">Crimson Cast</a></b></p>
<p><b>Series With Purdue: Purdue Leads 112-87</b></p>
<p><b>Last Purdue win: 72-61 at </b><b>Indiana</b><b> on </b><b>2/23/2011</b></p>
<p><b>Last </b><b>Indiana</b><b> win: 97-60 at Purdue on </b><b>1/30/2013</b></p>
<p><b>Time: </b><b>2pm</b></p>
<p><b>TV: ESPN</b></p>
<p><b>Odds: <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaab/purdue-indiana-odds-february-16-2013">No line yet, but I would take Indiana on Indiana by 30</a></b></p>
<p>There is no way around it. Purdue got its ass whipped the last time around. The lone bright spot was a 30-point performance from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175133/a-j-hammons">A.J. Hammons</a>. That still was not enough to stop Indiana from breaking away from a 16-15 game at the second media timeout on a 31-12 run before the half. It was over after that.</p>
<p>In many ways that loss broke Purdue. It was the worst loss not just in the history of Mackey Arena, but in the entire home history of Purdue basketball. Had Indiana not been merciful it would have been worse. Since then, many of the same troubles Purdue had against a really good team have manifested themselves against teams not of the same caliber. Purdue had no defensive effort at Northwester, Penn State, or Illinois, but was lucky enough to have the Nittany Lions miss a ton of open shots for the only win in February. it is almost as if this team visibly quit since that beatdown.</p>
<p>Purdue pretty much refused to defend the perimeter and the Hoosiers made them pay, hitting 12 of 25 three-pointers. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99890/christian-watford">Christian Watford</a> hit four of five, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175023/kevin-ferrell">Kevin Ferrell</a> hit three of four, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123694/victor-oladipo">Victor Oladipo</a> basically did what he wanted to do. Purdue couldn't stop any player, as evidenced by all five starters easily reaching double figures.</p>
<p>Even the oft-injured <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99891/maurice-creek">Maurice Creek</a> hit a three against Purdue, along with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99894/derek-elston">Derek Elston</a>. I can handle losing to Indiana, but this was a game where the effort was not there and it has gotten far worse since then. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124178/terone-johnson">Terone Johnson</a> was battling the flu and was held to four points, while "senior leader" <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99923/d-j-byrd">D.J. Byrd</a> also did very little.</p>
<p>Really, the only bright spot was Hammons, but his 30-5-5 wasn't able to even keep it close because everyone else was terrible. To complicate matters, Purdue had 18 turnovers with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175129/ronnie-johnson">Ronnie Johnson</a>, TJ, and D.J. committed 12 combined.</p>
<p>I talked about a lot of this extensively on yesterday's <a href="http://www.crimsoncast.com/2013/02/preview-podcast-purdue-part-2/">Crimson Cast podcast</a>, but this has the potential to be an absolute bloodbath. With as good as Indiana can play offensively, its home court advantage, and as bad as Purdue has looked in terms of total lack of effort in the past few games it would not surprise me one bit if Indiana won by 50.</p>
<p>I don't think confidence as a Purdue fan could be any lower going into this one. I would be more stunned if Purdue lost by less than 20 than if they lost by more than 50. It is that bad.</p>
<p>So how could an absolute miracle happen, short of the entire Hoosier roster coming down with Legionairres Disease or something? First, the Boilers have to have a drastic injection of give-a-shit on the defensive end and on the glass. Purdue needs to attack the glass relentless and stick with players on the perimeter instead of following the ball. Everyone in the Big Ten this season, even Penn State, has been playing right up on ball-handlers, except Purdue. For the Boilers to even have the most remote of chances they have to play nasty, in your jersey defense that past Purdue teams have done.</p>
<p>Offensively, Hammons has to have another monster game while defending <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145499/cody-zeller">Cody Zeller</a> in the post. He has to avoid foul trouble (hard to do in the Hall of Calls) and probably come up with a 30-15-5 game. TJ and Byrd have to each score 15 points at minimum with both opening things up with multiple threes. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175137/rapheal-davis">Rapheal Davis</a> hitting the corner three that is there a few times would also great help. Turnovers need to be cut by at least 10 from the first game and the Hoosiers need to have a poor night shooting. By worse night I am talking about an offense averaging nearly 83 points per game scoring only about 63 because of poor shooting. If all that happens Purdue might, <i>might</i> have a chance.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, all the signs we have seen in the past five games point to almost none of this happening. Indiana has a chance to unleash an unmerciful beating tomorrow, and I think that is what happens.</p>
<p><b>Prediction: Indiana 103, Purdue 55</b></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/2/15/3992798/purdue-at-indiana-round-2BoilerTMill2013-01-30T19:30:03-05:002013-01-30T19:30:03-05:00Indiana At Purdue GameThread: There Will Be Blood
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The most intense rivalry in the Big Ten has its 199th chapter tonight.</p> <p><br>Greetings live from Mackey Arena tonight. Though I often sell games to you readers for face value, the Indiana game is one I am always sure to attend. I can't stay away when the hated Hoosiers come to town, so I'll be tweeting away and screaming myself hoarse in section 103.</p>
<p>One thing I have asked for is for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175133/a-j-hammons" class="sbn-auto-link">A.J. Hammons</a> to knock <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145499/cody-zeller" class="sbn-auto-link">Cody Zeller</a> flat on his ass on a turn tot he basket and then power dunk to establish dominance. I don't even care if he gets called for the foul our not (he probably will). That is the type of message he needs to send.</p>
<p>Let's do this!</p>
<p><strong>Indiana Hoosiers</strong></p>
<p><strong>Location: Bloomington, IN</strong></p>
<p><strong>2011-12 record: 27-9, 11-7 Big Ten </strong></p>
<p><strong>2012-13 Record: 18-2, 6-1 Big Ten</strong></p>
<p><strong>RPI: 14</strong></p>
<p><strong>2012 Postseason: Lost to Kentucky 102-90 in NCAA Sweet 16</strong></p>
<p><strong>Blog Representation: </strong><a href="http://www.crimsonquarry.com/2013/1/30/3923936/indiana-hoosiers-v-purdue-boilermakers-preview"><strong>Crimson Quarry</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.insidethehall.com/2013/01/30/what-to-expect-purdue-2/"><strong>Inside the Hall</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://hoosierhoopsreport.com/2013/01/4474"><strong>Hoosier Hoops Report</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Series With Purdue: Purdue Leads 112-86</strong></p>
<p><strong>Last Purdue win: 72-61 at Indiana on 2/23/2011</strong></p>
<p><strong>Last Indiana win: 85-74 at Indiana on 3/4/2012</strong></p>
<p><strong>Time: 8:30pm</strong></p>
<p><strong>TV: Big Ten Network</strong></p>
<p><strong>Odds: </strong><a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaab/ncaa-basketball-game-preview---boilermakers-underdogs-vs-hoosiers-at-purdue-january-30-2013"><strong>Indiana by 7.5</strong></a></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/1/30/3933416/indiana-at-purdue-gamethread-there-will-be-bloodBoilerTMill2013-01-30T13:52:14-05:002013-01-30T13:52:14-05:00The Rivalry: Previewing Indiana-Purdue Round 1
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<figcaption>Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Purdue faces the No. 3 Hoosiers at Mackey Arena tonight</p> <p></p>
<p>If Purdue is going to make a surprising run to the NCAA Tournament a victory over the No. 3 rated team in the nation tonight would be extremely helpful. Despite being 4-3 and in 6<sup>th</sup> place in the tough Big Ten the Boilers <a href="http://www.offtackleempire.com/basketball/2013/1/29/3929710/big-ten-power-rankings-1-29-13">continue to be dismissed</a> because of a poor non-conference showing. Beating the Hoosiers would move Purdue to 5-3 and instead of struggling to stay out of the Big Ten cellar they would be a major player in the race for the championship.</p>
<p>The fact that all this would come at the expense of the hated <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/indiana-hoosiers">Indiana Hoosiers</a>, well, that is a very nice bonus.</p>
<p><b>Indiana</b><b> Hoosiers</b></p>
<p><b>Location: </b><b>Bloomington</b><b>, </b><b>IN</b></p>
<p><b>2011-12 record: </b><b>27-9, 11-7</b><b> Big Ten </b></p>
<p><b>2012-13 Record: 18-2, 6-1 Big Ten</b></p>
<p><b>RPI</b><b>: 14</b></p>
<p><b>2012 Postseason: Lost to </b><b>Kentucky</b><b> 102-90 in NCAA Sweet 16</b></p>
<p><b>Blog Representation: <a href="http://www.crimsonquarry.com/2013/1/30/3923936/indiana-hoosiers-v-purdue-boilermakers-preview">Crimson Quarry</a>, <a href="http://www.insidethehall.com/2013/01/30/what-to-expect-purdue-2/">Inside the Hall</a>, <a href="http://hoosierhoopsreport.com/2013/01/4474">Hoosier Hoops Report</a></b></p>
<p><b>Series With Purdue: Purdue Leads 112-86</b></p>
<p><b>Last Purdue win: 72-61 at </b><b>Indiana</b><b> on </b><b>2/23/2011</b></p>
<p><b>Last </b><b>Indiana</b><b> win: 85-74 at </b><b>Indiana</b><b> on </b><b>3/4/2012</b></p>
<p><b>Time: </b><b>8:30pm</b></p>
<p><b>TV: Big Ten Network</b></p>
<p><b>Odds: <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaab/ncaa-basketball-game-preview---boilermakers-underdogs-vs-hoosiers-at-purdue-january-30-2013">Indiana by 7.5</a></b></p>
<p>This has been a day that has been a long time coming, mostly because the Indiana-Purdue game is always an event. When Indiana started the season ranked No. 1 overall it got even bigger, because it was entirely possible the Hoosiers would still be No. 1 and even undefeated. If not got the heroics of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145137/alex-barlow">Alex Barlow</a> and Bo Ryan's mastery of Tom Crean they would be undefeated.</p>
<p>I have gone on record as saying that Indiana was a downright terrifying team to face when everything is working. that is still true. There have been some unexpected struggles against the likes of Georgia, Georgetown, and Iowa, but they are exactly where they want to be right now: leading the Big Ten with the inside track to a No. 1 seed.</p>
<p>The schedule is not doing them any favors, however, and that explains for the RPI of 14. The win over North Carolina that was impressive at the time has dwindled as the Tar Heels have struggled. Indiana put together one of the best halves of basketball I have ever seen against Minnesota, but struggled to close that game out. One could argue that their best win is over Michigan State, which occurred on Sunday. the rest of the schedule has been very meh, tonight included, while it gets a lot tougher in February.</p>
<p>Purdue's biggest struggle will be to control the tempo, which is how you beat Indiana. Wisconsin slowed them down and was able to walk out of assembly Hall with a win. Georgia held them to 66 points and both Iowa and Northwestern kept them below 70 on the road. Purdue simply cannot run with them. We don't have the players to do so and it would be suicide anyway. The Boilers need to take care of the basketball, take smart shots, and hustle back on defense.</p>
<p>After seeing what <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145685/trey-burke">Trey Burke</a> did against Purdue last week I can see <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175023/kevin-ferrell">Kevin Ferrell</a> being a major difference-maker. He is a better shooter than <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175129/ronnie-johnson">Ronnie Johnson</a> and his ability to penetrate and dish out to three-point shooters like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99890/christian-watford">Christian Watford</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99889/jordan-hulls">Jordan Hulls</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123694/victor-oladipo">Victor Oladipo</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123695/will-sheehey">Will Sheehey</a> is my greatest fear tonight. Purdue simply cannot lose any of those players on the perimeter like it did against Michigan. All four of them shoot 43% or better from long rang with Oladipo shooting a ridiculous 54.8%.</p>
<p>While <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145499/cody-zeller">Cody Zeller</a> is the leading scorer and threat for a double-double each night, Oladipo is the player that has been the most impressive. He's shooting 66% from the field, dishing out 2.4 assists, and playing some of the best defense in the country with 2.5 steals. I am simply stumped as to who guards him because he is a big, athletic guard that will cause enormous amounts of trouble.</p>
<p>The one strength that I expected the Hoosiers to have, but they don't, was the bench. This is a team that relies heavily on its starters. Zeller, Oladipo, Hulls, Watford, and Sheehey all average in double figures, but injuries and suspensions have greatly shortened the bench. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145497/austin-etherington">Austin Etherington</a> is already out for the season. Maurice Creek missed eight more games due to injury and has only three shots in 18 minutes of the last two games. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175025/hanner-mosquera-perea">Hanner Mosquera-Perea</a> missed nine games due to suspension and though he is an athletic freak, has only the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/26685/dallas-lauderdale">Dallas Lauderdale</a> skillset at the moment (he can rebound, dunk, and protect the back side of Zeller. That's it). <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175027/jeremy-hollowell">Jeremy Hollowell</a> is a good defender, but is probably the most overrated player in their 2012 class. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99894/derek-elston">Derek Elston</a> has also only played five games due to injury.</p>
<p>That leaves <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145498/remy-abell">Remy Abell</a> as the biggest contributor off the bench. You'll remember that Abell hit the back-breaking three late in last season's game at Mackey. He's also better than 50% from long range and can be one of those guys that can get lost and hit a dagger of a shot if needed.</p>
<p>One of the most interesting matchups to see will be A.J.Hammons vs. Zeller. Hammons has 40 pounds on Zeller and plays a much tougher style than the sophomore. Hammons hasn't done a whole lot lately, but Purdue needs him to be able to hold his own against Zeller. Of course, the biggest factor there will be the officials. It is no secret that Zeller is well protected with 146 free throw attempts, which is only behind Bucknell's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100880/mike-muscala">Mike Muscala</a>, Indiana State's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100652/jake-odum">Jake Odum</a>, and Iona's Lamont James nationally as far as I can tell. If the always fickle Big Ten officials let both players play this could be fun to watch. If Zeller shoots 14 free throws compared to 16 as a team that Butler had and both Hammons and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99925/sandi-marcius">Sandi Marcius</a> foul out without a single foul being called on Zeller (and he is a master of the discreet low-back shove) Purdue is in trouble.</p>
<p>Hammons' ability to play against Zeller will be the key to the rest of Purdue's defense. Ferrell and RJ are very familiar with each other and should be fun to watch in eight games over the next four years. Hulls, for all his scoring ability, can't guard a chair, but Oladipo is more than capable of getting a handle on Terone Johnson. Everyone else for Purdue must get out on the perimeter and not give a single inch all night long. Indiana is second in the nation in scoring and so athletic that the Hurryin' Hoosiers is a more than apt moniker. Purdue only wins this with old-school grit, defense, and by dragging them down into a 65-60 rockfight. Purdue's own offense is far too limited to expect to simply outscore the Hoosiers in a game that reaches the 80's.</p>
<p>The crowd tonight should be special. Last year's crowd for the IU game seemed a little off, but there is rarely a dull night at Mackey when the Hoosiers come to town. Purdue needs to thrive off of that. As good as Indiana is, they have not been quite the same away from Assembly Hall. They are 3-0 in their true road games, but Iowa and Northwestern made it closer than expected, while more people watch games at the Co-rec than games at Penn State, so it is hardly a tough road venue. Purdue is a better team than Northwestern and pretty even with Iowa, so it has a chance.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Indiana is ranked high for a reason. They have a unique mix of talent, experience, and moxie at all the right positions, so much so I said at the beginning of the year their season should be considered a failure if they do not win the National Title. I continue to stand by that statement because you only get so many chances where it all comes together like this season. They will have talent in the future, but a dominant big man, lights out shooters, and one of the best freshman point guards in the country? That is a rare mix that has to be taken advantage of because the NBA can come calling and break up that unique mix after just one year so easily. When this particular Indiana team has it all working I don't think there is a team in the country that can beat them. They are that good.</p>
<p>On paper, Indiana should win this game easily. Rivalries are funny things, however. I think Purdue gives them a fight, and if the Hoosiers turn it into a blowout it is a good sign for them, but a very bad one for Purdue.</p>
<p><b>Dream of the NCAAs again if:</b></p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> <b>The refs let Hammons actually play defense on Zeller</b> </li>
<li> <b>Purdue guards the perimeter</b> </li>
<li> <b>Purdue's offense controls the tempo and attacks the basket</b> </li>
<li> <b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99923/d-j-byrd">D.J. Byrd</a> keeps them honest on the perimeter</b> </li>
<li> <b>RJ wins the battle defensively with Ferrell</b> </li>
</ul>
<p><b>Salute the First place Hoosiers if:</b></p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> <b>Hammons has two fouls guarding Zeller in the first five minutes</b> </li>
<li> <b>Ferrell masters the drive and kick for three that Burke did</b> </li>
<li> <b>Oladipo is unstoppable</b> </li>
<li> <b>Hulls gets lost for 3-5 threes</b> </li>
<li> <b>Indiana</b><b> is able to run</b> </li>
</ul>
<p><b>Prediction: Indiana 75, Purdue 62</b></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/1/30/3933362/the-rivalry-previewing-indiana-purdue-round-1BoilerTMill2013-01-29T16:29:45-05:002013-01-29T16:29:45-05:00The Rivalry: The Last 25 Years Of Indiana-Purdue
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<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>One of the most fierce rivalries in College Basketball returns tomorrow night. </p> <p></p>
<p>Tomorrow night at Mackey Arena The Rivalry returns. There are many great basketball rivalries in the Big Ten. Some are long lasting. Some are newer. Others shift depending on the ups and downs of many programs. The one constant one in Indiana vs. Purdue.</p>
<p>Purdue has the most regular season big Ten championships with 22, while Indiana is second with 20. Indiana is No. 2 in all-time conference winning percentage at .639 and Purdue is No. 3 at .637. Both schools have won the NIT once, while Indiana's only significant head-to-head edge is in national titles. Their five to our zero is what sets the Hoosiers apart because they have gotten it done in March while Purdue, tragically, often falls short due to injury, bad luck, or simply choking.</p>
<p>With the benchmark of 25 years being a generation that most fans remember, neither team has won a title, though Indiana has twice reached the Final Four. As we all know, Purdue is still waiting since 1980, though there were several teams more than good enough to reach the Tournament's final weekend that fell short.</p>
<p>In that time Indiana has made 20 NCAA Tournaments, won four Big Ten championships, reached seven Sweet 16's, and two Final Fours. Purdue is a step behind, with 18 NCAA trips, five Big Ten championships (plus a Big Ten Tournament title), seven Sweet 16's, and no Final Fours.</p>
<p>Then you have the fans. Purdue fans despise Indiana with the candy-striped pants and every reference to five banners as well as Notre Dame football. IU fans know the banners piss us off mostly because we don't have any of our own and it reminds us of our agonizing failures in March. Purdue is the little brother (that leads the all-time series by a comfortable margin, but whatever, because history only counts when it comes to banners) that always tries, but comes up short. Indiana is That School Down South, The Evil Empire. Purdue is the Washington Generals, never getting to the mountain top but coming oh-so-close only for IU fans to laugh at the fall. Indiana is the blue-blood program that can recruit with ease and come back from a major scandal based on name alone. Purdue is the hard-working, scrappy team that fights and claws for everything it has earned, because nothing is ever given to Purdue.</p>
<p>As you can see, the schools are almost dead even over the last 25 years, with Indiana's Final Four runs in 1992 and 2002 setting them apart. Indiana holds a 26-22 advantage in the series since 1988 head-to-head. Here are some of the better games in that time:</p>
<p><b>1988 - </b>Right off the bat we had what usually happened when the schools met under Bobby Knight and Gene Keady: a season split. Purdue was ranked No. 2 both times, its highest ranking ever, but an 82-79 loss in Bloomington on January 30, 1988 denied Purdue its first ever No. 1 ranking in basketball. Purdue got revenge in West Lafayette 95-85.</p>
<p><b>1990 - </b>Purdue upsets No. 13 Indiana 81-79 in overtime to win in Bloomington for the first time in five years. Purdue was unranked, but was No. 9 nationally when they thrashed IU 72-49 in West Lafayette to get its first sweep in five years.</p>
<p><b>1992 - </b>Against a team that would eventually reach the Final Four, Purdue, who only finished 18-15 and reached the Elite 8 of the NIT, reverses a 41 point loss in Bloomington by winning in West Lafayette 61-59 on Senior Day.</p>
<p><b>1994 - </b>Led by the Big dog, Purdue would earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and the first of three straight Big Ten championships. Both games against Indiana were classics, however. Purdue won 83-76 in overtime in West Lafayette on January 18 to move to 15-1. Purdue would win 12 of 13 before losing to Duke in the Elite 8, but the one loss was 82-80 in Bloomington. Purdue was rated 9<sup>th</sup> at the time and Indiana 16<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p><b>1995 - </b>Another year with a great winning streak snapped by Indiana. Purdue's second Big Ten title saw the Boilers win 14 out of 15 in Big Ten play, but the one loss was 82-73 in Bloomington. This was another Purdue team that choked in the NCAAs, losing to Memphis in round 2 after barely wining a 3/14 game over Wisconsin-Green Bay.</p>
<p><b>1996 - </b>This was one of coach Keady's most complete teams lead by Herb Dove, Brandon Brantley, Todd Foster, Roy Hairston, Justin Jennings, and Porter Roberts. There weren't any sure-fire NBA prospects on the team, but it was one that had a ton of hustle and grit. Purdue swept Indiana 74-69 in West Lafayette and 74-72 in Bloomington on its way to a third straight Big Ten title. Like 2011, however, a questionable loss to Iowa on the final day of the season was a precursor to more NCAA heartbreak. Purdue nearly became the first ever No. 1 seed to lose to a 16 seed when it beat Western Carolina 73-71 in Denver before losing to a crappy Georgia team.</p>
<p><b>1997 - </b>Two words: Chad Austin.</p>
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<p>Purdue wins 89-87 in overtime in Bloomington for a second straight sweep of Indiana. This would be the last time Purdue would sweep Indiana for 13 years.</p>
<p><b>1998 - </b>For the first (and so far only) time Purdue and Indiana meet in the Big Ten Tournament with the Boilers winning 79-71 in Chicago after splitting the regular season meetings. It is only the third time Purdue and Indiana have met in postseason play, with Indiana winning the 1979 NIT championship game over Purdue by a point and Purdue winning 76-69 in the 1980 NCAA Tournament.</p>
<p><b>1999 - </b>In a rare switch the teams split, but by winning on the other's home court. Indiana wins 87-76 in West Lafayette but Purdue wins in overtime in Bloomington 86-81. This is Purdue's last win in Bloomington until 2010 and the last win over a ranked Indiana team in Bloomington to date.</p>
<p><b>2000 - </b>Indiana wins 79-65 in Bloomington in the last game between the two where both teams were ranked until 2008. This comes after both teams were ranked at the time of the game seven times since 1993. Purdue was only 2-7 in those games. This game is also of note because it was the final game in The Rivalry coached by Bobby Knight.</p>
<p><b>2002-03 - </b>Playing only once in the Big Ten season, Purdue and Indiana agree to the Duel in the Dome thanks to the short-sightedness of Jim Delaney not making sure rivals always play twice in Big Ten play. Indiana wins its fifth straight in the series 66-63 at the RCA Dome, but Purdue takes the one game that counts in the conference standings 69-47 in West Lafayette.</p>
<p><b>2005 - </b>I remember it because it was my wedding day. I was in Las Vegas and kept sneaking out to the sports book to watch Gene Keady's final home game against Indiana. That team was hopelessly outgunned, but the crowd willed Purdue to double overtime before the Boilers fell 75-73. It was probably one of the most heartbreaking losses ever.</p>
<p><b>2007 - </b>Behind David Teague and Carl Landry Purdue finally rights the ship in an 81-68 win over Indiana in Mackey arena, breaking a five game losing streak to Indiana. From February 2000 until this game Purdue goes only 2-11 against Indiana. The worst stretch since losing 13 in a row to Indiana from 1949-55. 2000-07 is known as "the Dark times" with only one NCAA appearance as the Gene Keady era ends in a whimper.</p>
<p><b>2008 - </b>The brilliance of Delaney strikes again as Indiana and Purdue only play once in 2007-08 and 2008-09, but The Rivalry is back for at least one night. In the only game since 2000 where both teams were ranked Indiana beats the Baby Boilers 77-68 in Bloomington. The win ends up costing Purdue a share of the Big Ten crown with Wisconsin as Purdue goes 15-3 in league play and the Badgers go 16-2 with two losses to Purdue. It ends up being Kelvin Sampson's final game, as IU practically quits on Dan Dakich and the fire started by the Sampson scandal burns the program to cinders. Purdue would win the next five, all while ranked in the top 20 and while the Hoosiers spend three years getting kicked around by the Big Ten. If Robbie Hummel's knee never gives out and Purdue wins a title (or two?) in this time it would have been a dramatic reversal.</p>
<p><b>2012 - </b>After the Greatest December Win In The History Of College Basketball Purdue has a chance to keep its streak going, but falls 78-61 in West Lafayette. Purdue has a chance to cut the lead to two down 65-61 with the ball and 2:23 left, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52383/lewis-jackson">Lewis Jackson</a> misses a fast break layup and Purdue gives up a closing 13-0 run.</p>
<p>So that is where we stand. As you can see, The Rivalry has been great the last few years, but both teams have had wild ups and downs to where it has rarely reached the heated levels of my youth. There hasn't really been an upset in the series unless you count Purdue winning by 22 over No. 14 Indiana in 2003. A victory by the Boilers tomorrow would be a pretty major upset, as Indiana is one of the most talented teams in the country and currently at No. 3 in the polls, while Purdue is far from the NCAA bubble.</p>
<p>That's why it is called The Rivalry, however. You never know when Purdue is going to takes its talent and put it all together against an Indiana team that has been a little shaky at times, especially away from Assembly Hall. A Purdue victory hardly makes our season, but it would definitely be a nice little chapter to write into the history of The Rivalry.</p>
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