I was at the bar during the game so couldn’t watch well so I just watched with a more mindful eye….especially after reading some of the posts.
A few thoughts:
Purdue won a road game in one of the most hostile environments we’ll play in all year. They did so despite:
A few other thoughts:
A few thoughts:
Purdue won a road game in one of the most hostile environments we’ll play in all year. They did so despite:
- Loyer, Jones and Heide going 0-10 from 3 and 2-15 from the floor. And they were largely great looks. I doubt that happens again.
- Officiating that was poor or at least officiated in a manner that fit Rutgers’ strengths much more than Purdue’s. Omoruyi easily could’ve fouled out in the first half if the refs hadn't swallowed their whistles.
- Rutgers making several runs to get close and really getting the crowd into it. Purdue kept its composure in a tough environment
- Smith and Gillis being the only players to hit a 3 and the 5th best 3P shooting team in the country going just 5-19 from three
A few other thoughts:
- Smith had complete control of this game. He did a great job of picking his spots and really made Rutgers work. I know he only had 2 assists but would have had several more if his teammates had hit some of the shots they normally make.
- Love Zach keeping his composure despite the physical abuse. The smirk late in the game was hilarious.
- Gillis is fearless and provided a big spark when TKR was struggling
- Jones has been aggressive at generating steals and easy buckets the last couple of games. That just makes us tougher. And his rebounds and assists were huge in a game where his shot wasn’t falling.
- For those lamenting Loyer’s defense, you really should rewatch the game. He had a few buckets scored on him but each one I saw was the direct result of an uncalled moving screen. He was hustling his ass off, which is something we just aren’t seeing out of Colvin.
- The press was largely a non-issue. The only turnover vs the press was because Jones was a little lackadaisical after the catch.