A win Tuesday should mean the BTT

[todd brewster]

Last year we should have never lost to Michigan and we lost twice. We need Vince and PJ to D well, but IMO the keys will be Dakota and Carson. They win the D battle means we win the game.

The media touts Wagner as the top Big 10 Center and a probable first round draft choice. I have said all year that I much prefer Haas. Last year, IMO we panicked during Michigan’s pick and pop instead of pick and roll. This year, Haas will have more confidence popping out. However, the key to remember is how Wagner got in foul trouble trying to guard Haas.

I hope everyone gives Haas some additional love knowing he can win the battle.

 

[depthcharge623]

I agree with another poster that it may be helpful to put Haarms on Wagner. W is too mobile and versatile for a player like Haas to guard successfully.

IIRC didn't we do a lot better against him the second game last year by having Vince guard him?

 

[BoilerinLouisville]

If Haarms gets in foul trouble this is a game Taylor should see some minutes as Haas simply can’t guard Wagner

 

[todd brewster]

Haas had the epic block against Wagner, when Vince was guarding him. Wagner will remember that.

We lost last year. Wagner hit some pick and pops 3's on Biggie, so we switched up. When Haas came in, he got Wagner in foul trouble, but we limited playing Haas. The next game the other big man hit some 3's on Haas in the first half. In the 2nd half, Haas went out and he missed. He then came inside and did some spin moves on Haas and Biggie picked his pocket. However, we again played Haas limited minutes.

Haas can jump out and shut down Wagner's 3's, because we are much better at team D and if Wagner fakes and drives, I think we can pick his pocket. The other take may be for Haas to let him shoot outside and take him inside. Let's say he hits 40% from 3, compare that to Haas inside hitting 60% and getting him into foul trouble.

Last year, we lost going small and trying to match up. This year, we learned by losing in the Bahamas that we play best as a team going inside out. My point is that Wagner cannot match up with Haas. We keep feeding him and Wagner will get into trouble and if they double Haas, we have open 3's by better 3 point shooters than Wagner.

 

[blockm2]

Haas has no ability to guard Wagner on the perimeter and Wager has no ability to guard Haas in the post. I mean if Haas thinks he's going to show strong on a 3 point shot, a simple pump fake and it will be 5 on 4 going downhill towards the rim. He's just not quick enough.

It's an interesting contrast in styles. If Wagner gets in foul trouble, at least Michigan finally has a backup center with the size to give Haas something to have to think about in 7'1" Jon Teske.

 

[BoilerBulldog]

Haas has no ability to guard Wagner on the perimeter and Wager has no ability to guard Haas in the post. I mean if Haas thinks he's going to show strong on a 3 point shot, a simple pump fake and it will be 5 on 4 going downhill towards the rim. He's just not quick enough.

It's an interesting contrast in styles. If Wagner gets in foul trouble, at least Michigan finally has a backup center with the size to give Haas something to have to think about in 7'1" Jon Teske.

I agree. Haas can't guard Wagner. Haarms is the wild card here. And we need solid minutes from Taylor.

 

[TC4THREE]

Wagner had an amazing half against us last year but in three subsequent halves of basketball against us he wasn't very good.

I think we make Wagner try to guard Haas because that's a huge mismatch too. If Wagner hits a couple 3s on us and Haas isn't scoring on the other end then we switch things up but I don't think we need to overreact to the one good half from last year. They don't have Wilson, Irvin, or Walton anymore and they were big reasons why they beat us twice too.

 

[blockm2]

Wagner had an amazing half against us last year but in three subsequent halves of basketball against us he wasn't very good.

I think we make Wagner try to guard Haas because that's a huge mismatch too. If Wagner hits a couple 3s on us and Haas isn't scoring on the other end then we switch things up but I don't think we need to overreact to the one good half from last year. They don't have Eilson, Irvin, or Walton anymore and they were big reasons why they beat us twice too.

I am under no delusions that Michigan should expect to win. They are underdogs for a reason. But while DJ Wilson, Zak Irvin, and Derrick Walton are off to professional hoops, Michigan does have some newcomers that could potentially impact the game in a big way as well. Charles Matthews has struggled at the FT line but has been outstanding otherwise and is perfectly capable of putting up 20+ pts (6 times already this season). Freshmen Isaiah Livers and Jordan Poole are both very athletic and strong outside shooters that can put up points quickly as well. I'd imagine Livers might even get the start at the 4 spot tomorrow and match up with Edwards as he has the size and athleticism to stick with him inside and outside.

I imagine the key for Michigan is to clean up their defensive glass, not allow a lot of 3 point attempts, and make enough of their own 3s to keep it close. I know the Boilers have been blowing people out, but Michigan's young team is starting to come together. While I expect Michigan to lose, I'm willing to be pleasantly surprised.

 

[BoiledSteel]

Wagner had an amazing half against us last year but in three subsequent halves of basketball against us he wasn't very good.

I think we make Wagner try to guard Haas because that's a huge mismatch too. If Wagner hits a couple 3s on us and Haas isn't scoring on the other end then we switch things up but I don't think we need to overreact to the one good half from last year. They don't have Eilson, Irvin, or Walton anymore and they were big reasons why they beat us twice too.

Personally I think that if Wagner starts hitting threes we see Haarms playing more because he is athletic enough to give Wagner fits.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I am under no delusions that Michigan should expect to win. They are underdogs for a reason. But while DJ Wilson, Zak Irvin, and Derrick Walton are off to professional hoops, Michigan does have some newcomers that could potentially impact the game in a big way as well. Charles Matthews has struggled at the FT line but has been outstanding otherwise and is perfectly capable of putting up 20+ pts (6 times already this season). Freshmen Isaiah Livers and Jordan Poole are both very athletic and strong outside shooters that can put up points quickly as well. I'd imagine Livers might even get the start at the 4 spot tomorrow and match up with Edwards as he has the size and athleticism to stick with him inside and outside.

I imagine the key for Michigan is to clean up their defensive glass, not allow a lot of 3 point attempts, and make enough of their own 3s to keep it close. I know the Boilers have been blowing people out, but Michigan's young team is starting to come together. While I expect Michigan to lose, I'm willing to be pleasantly surprised.

Also....Abdur-Rahkman has had his moments against the Boilers, and Xavier Simpson (whom Purdue recruited heavily) is quite capable. If Purdue plays well and sticks to their strength, they've got a great chance to pick up a good road win in conference.....but I won't be surprised if this goes the other way....Michigan has enough to do it. Not that the Boilers need any extra motivation, but I would think the two difficult losses last year (especially getting knocked out early in the BTT) have to stick in their craw so-to-speak. This is also where senior leadership really comes in handy, but we shall see.

 

[77 grad]

Last year we should have never lost to Michigan and we lost twice. We need Vince and PJ to D well, but IMO the keys will be Dakota and Carson. They win the D battle means we win the game.

The media touts Wagner as the top Big 10 Center and a probable first round draft choice. I have said all year that I much prefer Haas. Last year, IMO we panicked during Michigan’s pick and pop instead of pick and roll. This year, Haas will have more confidence popping out. However, the key to remember is how Wagner got in foul trouble trying to guard Haas.

I hope everyone gives Haas some additional love knowing he can win the battle.

A win Tuesday means we are 5-0. Good start but a long way to go.

 

[FirstDownB]

People mention Haas but fail to mention UM also exploiting Biggie pretty badly defensively. I like the versatility of the Haas&Haarms much better in this particular matchup.

Also, I disagree with the subject. Lots of ball yet to be played. MSU only has maybe 2 games remaining that will be as tough as OSU on the road. At this point expect them to only lose 1 or 2 more.

 

[TC4THREE]

Was looking at Michigan's statistics last night and there's only one area that stands out to me a big advantage for them and that's turnovers. Like most Beilein teams, I believe, they take care of the basketball. On the flip side, there were some areas that they struggle that I didn't realize. First of all, this is a really bad free throw shooting team. 65% on the season and that's with a couple of guys that shoot 90%. Basically anyone other than Rahkman and Robinson are mediocre to bad. Also, I believe they aren't a very good rebounding team which is one area we have been exploited at times this season.

Like any game with Michigan, it will probably come down to keeping them from getting hot from deep. They are ok offensively but on the season not as good as us. If both teams play to their averages, we win obviously. That said, it's one game and nothing stops Michigan from coming out and hitting 12 3's and us going 3-19 from deep. Hopefully we come out and play to our potential and our shots fall. Michigan State blinked first yesterday and coming out and winning at Michigan would be a huge answer that we're not looking to blink back.

 

[mediaexpert]

I can’t wait to watch Haas posterize Wagner and hold him in check defensively. It is nice to know a few of Purdue’s alumni will be rooting with me even though most want to return to say that Haas can’t guard him. I hope most of you will be disappointed.

 

[bonefish1]

what about having Vince guard Mo and just let Haas or Arms play a one man zone never leaving the paint?
Obviously UM will try to get Haas out on the perimeter on Mo which is a mismatch and Haas will pick up some cheap fouls getting out of position.

 

[TC4THREE]

what about having Vince guard Mo and just let Haas or Arms play a one man zone never leaving the paint?
Obviously UM will try to get Haas out on the perimeter on Mo which is a mismatch and Haas will pick up some cheap fouls getting out of position.

Did you really just suggest that we're going to play any type of zone?

 

[Fansince72]

We all know what Mich is going to do. They are going to pull Isaac out to the perimeter. We'll see how Coach Painter plays this.

 

[blockm2]

Also, I believe they aren't a very good rebounding team which is one area we have been exploited at times this season.

Michigan ranks #13 nationally in defensive rebounding and #1 in the Big Ten.

What they don't do is go for offensive rebounds, which is a style choice more than any particular lack of ability. Beilein would rather have his teams get back on defense than crash the offensive glass.

 

[blockm2]

what about having Vince guard Mo and just let Haas or Arms play a one man zone never leaving the paint?

Because then Michigan would have Wagner go inside and you'd have 3 perimeter defenders guarding 4 players behind the 3 point line and you'd give up a wide open 3 on almost every possession.

 

[TC4THREE]

Michigan ranks #13 nationally in defensive rebounding and #1 in the Big Ten.

What they don't do is go for offensive rebounds, which is a style choice more than any particular lack of ability. Beilein would rather have his teams get back on defense than crash the offensive glass.

I must have been mistaken. My apologies. I was going off what I remembered while looking up stuff on my phone late last night. Memory must be faulty.

 

[blockm2]

I must have been mistaken. My apologies. I was going off what I remembered while looking up stuff on my phone late last night. Memory must be faulty.

well their overall rebounding numbers tend to look bad if you add up offensive and defensive, especially if you look at total numbers since they tend to both play at a slow tempo and shoot well.

Tempo free rebounding numbers broken down to offense and defense show a more complete picture.

 

[TC4THREE]

I'll keep saying it. Too many Purdue fans focusing on Wagner. Don't get me wrong, he's good and we have to pay attention to him but the odds of him having another half like he did last year aren't great (he's a good shooter but still under 40% from deep) and if you look at the 3 halves of basketball he played against us after that first one, he wasn't very good. I don't believe he even had a field goal in the BTT game.

 

[Fansince72]

I'll keep saying it. Too many Purdue fans focusing on Wagner

I agree watched him Saturday and he seems to still be recovering from the injury.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

We all know what Mich is going to do. They are going to pull Isaac out to the perimeter. We'll see how Coach Painter plays this.

Just a hunch, here.....IF Isaac Haas picks up a quick first foul.....Coach Painter will have Matt Haarms sprinting to the scorer's table.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I'll keep saying it. Too many Purdue fans focusing on Wagner. Don't get me wrong, he's good and we have to pay attention to him but the odds of him having another half like he did last year aren't great (he's a good shooter but still under 40% from deep) and if you look at the 3 halves of basketball he played against us after that first one, he wasn't very good. I don't believe he even had a field goal in the BTT game.

Good points, TC. Wagner did not have a FG in the BTT game....five FT's. It was Wilson who went off....even then, the Boilers were in a position to win it, but unfortunately, didn't. Stay out of foul trouble and limit the TO's.....will go a long way. As bad as the shooting went in the game against Nebraska, it was encouraging to see the Boilers shut down the Cornhuskers the second half....need that type of effort for 40 minutes in Ann Arbor.

 

[FirstDownB]

I'll keep saying it. Too many Purdue fans focusing on Wagner. Don't get me wrong, he's good and we have to pay attention to him but the odds of him having another half like he did last year aren't great (he's a good shooter but still under 40% from deep) and if you look at the 3 halves of basketball he played against us after that first one, he wasn't very good. I don't believe he even had a field goal in the BTT game.

Wagner specifically isn't the problem. The problem is 5 players on the court who can all handle the ball and shoot 3's. We always have at least one guy on the floor who is not a good perimeter defender they can exploit. Last year Wagner took advantage one game, the other game it was Wilson. But if I recall both Wilson and Wagner missed a bunch of open 3's in the BTT game, which helped keep us in the game. I wouldn't necessarily count on that happening at home. Isaac is going to have to convert at a high rate to offset the damage.

 

[BoilerGal74]

If our Bigs can stay out of foul trouble would be interesting to have Haas at the basket and Haarms on the perimeter guarding Wagner... Could take him out of the game completely... But a risk foul-wise for us so betting it doesn’t happen

 

[todd brewster]

If our Bigs can stay out of foul trouble would be interesting to have Haas at the basket and Haarms on the perimeter guarding Wagner... Could take him out of the game completely... But a risk foul-wise for us so betting it doesn’t happen

The last time both our bigs played together was against Rutgers. They both were popping out and disturbing shots and Rutgers shot terribly. When one jumped out to harass a jump shot, the other guarded the basket. If you taped the game watch Haas change many shots by going out to the perimeter. You will see Haas jump out on Wagner and I bet Haas will hold him in check.

 

[Purdue 95]

Last year we should have never lost to Michigan and we lost twice. We need Vince and PJ to D well, but IMO the keys will be Dakota and Carson. They win the D battle means we win the game.

The media touts Wagner as the top Big 10 Center and a probable first round draft choice. I have said all year that I much prefer Haas. Last year, IMO we panicked during Michigan’s pick and pop instead of pick and roll. This year, Haas will have more confidence popping out. However, the key to remember is how Wagner got in foul trouble trying to guard Haas.

I hope everyone gives Haas some additional love knowing he can win the battle.

OP, are you suggesting we'll win the conference because we'd be starting 5-0????

Man...is this your first year watching??

There is a long, long, LONG way to go. We'd only be 1 game up on MSU and our only game against them is on the road. That's just one of a million factors still in play.

5-0 is an ideal start, but this will likely go into the last week or two of the season, at least. Remember that there was a point in mid-February last year when nobody thought we could catch Wisconsin. They ended up faltering late and we won it by two full games.

First, we have to win in AA, which is no small chore. Then we need to win the Barn, which is also not easy. Do that and we're still only 1/3 of the way thru the season with games in Lansing, Bloomington, Iowa City, Champaign, and Madison still to play.

 

[Purdue 95]

Well, are you the one who titled this post, "A win Tuesday should mean the BTT"?
Maybe your Dad was posting something else, stepped away from the computer, and you hijacked his post.

 

[klmLB]

We all know what Mich is going to do. They are going to pull Isaac out to the perimeter. We'll see how Coach Painter plays this.

+1. In one of the pre-game videos, I think it was Haas that said that we are planning a minor change on D. I'm also interested in seeing how we defend tonight. Hope we establish Haas down low early on.

 

[todd brewster]

DO I NEED TO EXPLAIN IT NOW?

 

[mediaexpert]

I get so disgusted reading all the negative posts about Haas. How many times did the man Haas was guarding dribble around him and score? I counted two. How many times did the man Haas was guarding hit a jump shot? I counted two 3’s. That comes to a grand total of 10 points. In the meantime, no one can stop Haas down low and they have to double team him and their first team all Big 10 center almost fouls out.

 

[BoilerBiker]

Haas can jump out and shut down Wagner's 3's, because we are much better at team D and if Wagner fakes and drives, I think we can pick his pocket. The other take may be for Haas to let him shoot outside and take him inside. Let's say he hits 40% from 3, compare that to Haas inside hitting 60% and getting him into foul trouble.

Last year, we lost going small and trying to match up. This year, we learned by losing in the Bahamas that we play best as a team going inside out. My point is that Wagner cannot match up with Haas. We keep feeding him and Wagner will get into trouble and if they double Haas, we have open 3's by better 3 point shooters than Wagner.

nostradamus

mo looked pretty frustrated with haas. great to see IH doing so well this season

 

[todd brewster]

I get so disgusted reading all the negative posts about Haas. How many times did the man Haas was guarding dribble around him and score? I counted two. How many times did the man Haas was guarding hit a jump shot? I counted two 3’s. That comes to a grand total of 10 points. In the meantime, no one can stop Haas down low and they have to double team him and their first team all Big 10 center almost fouls out.

I was hoping this board would start giving Isaac extra love now that we know he did a great job on the most athletic center in the league. I knew he would, because he faces Haarms and Taylor every day in practice. I also knew Wagner does not relish defending Isaac. I am not for sure, but the unsung hero in this may be Lutz. I would think he may have Matt’s ear in centering the offense around Isaac. I thought Haas should have played a lot more last year, but the great thing about Matt is that he listens and adjusts.

 

[todd brewster]

In summary, MAAR & Matthews went 8 for 23 and the D that Dakota and Carson played won the game. I already knew Isaac and Vince could shut down Wagner and Robinson. Simpson played better than expected, but the real surprise for me was their two subs. My main fear was the home court refereeing and Matt addressed that at halftime. Isaac and Vince both looked like the mugging they got was expected. The big stat was 7 for 11 vs 4 for 7. With our inside power, it should have been the other way around.

I am now confident; we can win the BTT. MSU is very good, but our lineup of Isaac, Matt, Vince, Dakota and PJ match up extremely well against them. Once we pound them a bit, we bring in Carson and then Cline for instant offense and to light up their reserves. I would also like to see Easterly matched up against Bridges and see what happens. If needed, Eifert and Taylor will hold their own.