Purdue/IU overview

[nagemj02]

When: Thursday, February 9th

Where: Ass. Hall, Bloomington, IN

Tip-Off: 7 (ET)

TV: ESPN2


Head Coaches:

Purdue: Matt Painter (12th season)

IU: Tom Crean (9th season)


Purdue's Team Stats: http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2016-2017/teamcume.html#TEAM.TEM

IU's Team Stats: http://iuhoosiers.com/cumestats.aspx?path=mbball&year=2016



Projected Starters:

Purdue

1/2 #3 Carsen Edwards 6'0 185 (Fr.): averaging 10.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1 SPG, 39% FG's (94-239), 75% FT's (38-51), 34% 3PT's (35-104), and 24 MPG in 24 GP this season

2/1 #11 P.J. Thompson 5'10 175 (Jr.): averaging 7.5 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1 SPG, 3.3 APG, 47% FG's (61-130), 74% FT's (17-23), 43% 3PT's (41-96), and 27.7 MPG in 24 GP this season

2 #31 Dakota Mathias 6'4 195 (Jr.): averaging 10.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4 APG, 49% FG's (85-172), 85% FT's (23-27), 50% 3PT's (53-107), and 30.8 MPG in 24 GP this season

4/3 #12 Vince Edwards 6'8 215 (Jr.): averaging 11.3 PPG, 5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 46% FG's (96-210), 83% FT's (44-53), 45% 3PT's (34-76), and 27.4 MPG in 24 GP this season

5/4 #50 Caleb "Biggie" Swanigan 6'9 245 (So.): averaging 19.1 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 3.5 TPG, 2.7 FPG, 55% FG's (157-287), 80% FT's (117-147), 50% 3PT's (27-54), and 31.9 MPG in 24 GP this season


IU

1 #2 Josh Newkirk 6'1 185 (RS Jr.) (transfer from Pittsburgh): averaging 8.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 2.2 TPG, 2.9 FPG, 43% FG's (75-173), 70% FT's (33-47), 37% 3PT's (22-59), and 27 MPG in 24 GP this season

2/1 #4 Robert Johnson 6'3 185 (Jr.): averaging 14.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.2 APG, 2.4 TPG, 49% FG's (128-263), 79% FT's (33-42), 42% 3PT's (55-132), and 28.6 MPG in 24 GP this season

2 #1 James Blackmon, Jr. 6'3 195 (Jr.): averaging 17.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.2 TPG, 49% FG's (123-249), 80% FT's (43-54), 43% 3PT's (63-145), and 30.4 MPG in 20 GP this season

4/3 #13 Juwan Morgan 6'7 220 (So.): averaging 6.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.5 FPG, 55% FG's (47-86), 79% FT's (44-56), 21% 3PT's (5-24), and 20.8 MPG in 22 GP this season

5/4 #31 Thomas Bryant 6'10 240 (So.): averaging 13.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1 SPG, 2.2 TPG, 2.8 FPG, 55% FG's (107-193), 72% FT's (84-117), 43% 3PT's (17-40), and 28.6 MPG in 24 GP this season



Projected Reinforcements:

Purdue

1 #55 Michael "Spike" Albrecht 5'11 180 (RS Sr.): averaging 1.7 PPG, 21% FG's (6-29), 93% FT's (14-15), 16% 3PT's (3-19), and 12.8 MPG in 17 GP this season

2 #14 Ryan Cline 6'5 190 (So.): averaging 6.2 PPG, 2 RPG, 44% FG's (41-93), 78% FT's (7-9), 45% 3PT's (34-76), and 20.3 MPG in 20 GP this season

5 #44 Isaac Haas 7'2 280 (Jr.): averaging 13.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1 BPG, 2.4 TPG, 59% FG's (107-181), 71% FT's (100-140), no 3PT's attempted, and 20.8 MPG in 24 GP this season


IU:

1/2 #0 Curtis Jones 6'4 165 (Fr.): averaging 4 PPG, 35% FG's (32-91), 75% FT's (15-20), 35% 3PT's (17-49), and 12.4 MPG in 24 GP this season

1/2 #11 Devonte Green 6'3 180 (Fr.): averaging 4 PPG, 41% FG's (28-69), 73% FT's (19-26), 34% 3PT's (12-35), and 14.5 MPG in 22 GP this season

3/2 #15 Zach McRoberts 6'6 195 (RS So.) (transfer from Vermont): averaging 1 PPG, 35% FG's (8-23), 100% FT's (2-2), 40% 3PT's (4-10), and 12.6 MPG in 22 GP this season

4 #21 Freddie McSwain 6'6 215 (Jr.) (JC transfer): averaging 2.1 PPG, 2 RPG, 49% FG's (16-33), 59% FT's (13-22), 0% 3PT's (0-3), and 7.2 MPG in 21 GP this season

5/4 #20 De'Ron Davis 6'9 235 (Fr.): averaging 6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 52% FG's (46-88), 75% FT's (53-71), no 3PT's attempted, and 13.5 MPG in 24 GP this season



Who Might Play:

Purdue

4 #24 Grady Eifert 6'7 220 (So.): averaging 1.3 PPG, 86% FG's (6-7), 60% FT's (3-5), no 3PT's attempted, and 3.3 MPG in 12 GP this season


IU

2 #24 Grant Gelon 6'4 185 (Fr.): averaging 2.2 PPG, 78% FG's (7-9), 83% FT's (5-6), 60% 3PT's (3-5), and 3.7 MPG in 10 GP this season

 

[nagemj02]

So what do you (you meaning anyone reading this) think are some of the keys for the Boilers, in order to win this game?

IU should be fired up for it, since they're on the precipice of being a bubble team (if they aren't already). I think Purdue should be fired up for it as well. It's their second biggest rivalry matchup (after Iowa, of course) and they should be eager to avenge last season's loss at Ass. Hall.

 

[proudopete]

I think the same ole thing with IU. Don't collapse on the driver as he is looking to kick it out, keep Bryant from getting momentum towards the hoop and don't let Blackman go right.

I think rebounds and free throws will be the key. We almost didn't take advantage of our free throw shooting at Maryland and it worried me. Get to the line and often.

 

[nagemj02]

I think the same ole thing with IU. Don't collapse on the driver as he is looking to kick it out, keep Bryant from getting momentum towards the hoop and don't let Blackman go right.

I think rebounds and free throws will be the key. We almost didn't take advantage of our free throw shooting at Maryland and it worried me. Get to the line and often.

It's the road (aka the Hall of Calls), so FT's might be tougher to accumulate than usual on Thursday night.

 

[TwinDegrees2]

So what do you (you meaning anyone reading this) think are some of the keys for the Boilers, in order to win this game?

IU should be fired up for it, since they're on the precipice of being a bubble team (if they aren't already). I think Purdue should be fired up for it as well. It's their second biggest rivalry matchup (after Iowa, of course) and they should be eager to avenge last season's loss at Ass. Hall.

Personally, I'd love to see Painter roll out a match up or 1-3-1 zone, or even play both. And I'd press IU off every inbound to slow their tempo.

 

[krazyjvilled]

is blackmon playing? I thought he was out indefinitely

 

[dbmhoosier]

He'll be playing I'm sure. Probably could've played Sunday but Crean figured we were losing no matter what so he wanted to keep him out as an excuse.

 

[krazyjvilled]

Is this confirmed? he hasnt played in a while and was listed as out indefinitely... I dont think he is playing

 

[nagemj02]

Is this confirmed? he hasnt played in a while and was listed as out indefinitely... I dont think he is playing

About a week ago, it was stated that Blackmon, Jr. would play in the next game or two. I'm 99.9% sure he'll be playing on Thursday night.

Boiler Up

 

[TopSecretBoiler]

I don't see us losing this. We do everything better than they do. The types of players that give us fits are hurt. Their point guard is not named Yogi. It's hard to find even a small area where they have an advantage other than it's @ass hall.

 

[nagemj02]

I don't see us losing this. We do everything better than they do. The types of players that give us fits are hurt. Their point guard is not named Yogi. It's hard to find even a small area where they have an advantage other than it's @ass hall.

Purdue's mentality going into the game might be more important than IU's abilities. As mentioned in another thread, they've had 2 of their 3 conference losses (Iowa, Nebraska) after wins over Wisconsin and Michigan State. They're capable of beating Maryland and IU in back-to-back games but they need to get their minds right and make sure they put as much into it as they did for those wins.

 

[TwinDegrees2]

is blackmon playing? I thought he was out indefinitely

Junior is playing for sure....according to what he said after the Wisky game.

 

[todd brewster]

Good time to start Haas and stop Bryant's momentum and put Vince on Blackmon. Let's see if Haas can stay out of foul trouble and adjust to playing a lot more minutes.

 

[krazyjvilled]

if blackmon plays it has me worried as he can go off for 30 at any time... and seeing as how multiple teams have already had their best shooting games of the entire season vs us, I wouldnt expect anything less

 

[bonefish1]

Force Blackmon to go left, don't let him get going towards the rim on the right, don't give him open looks from the top of the key.
I think PJ guards Blackmon as he's more physical and Blackmon doesn't like physical D. Similar to what Bryson Scott did to him at IPFW game.

 

[BuilderBob6]

Johnson may not be the shooter Blackmon is but he's not too far off. However, he is much better at penetration. I think Dakota on him is a must.

As was said earlier, we can't help off these two at the three point line. I just don't think they can beat us without a big night from three. Matt has been pretty effective scheming against Crean. Take away what they want to do and they will turn the ball over and over.

Be patient on offense. We will get good shots if we do.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I think that the biggest key is not getting over-hyped and letting it impact execution/decision-making.

 

[rgarlitz]

Holy Cow! Isaac just got whistled for his second foul --- and the game hasn't even started yet!

All kidding aside, these are two of the best offensive teams in the B1G. My gut tells me that the final score will be 78-75. I go back and fourth on who will win.

 

[DG10]

Holy Cow! Isaac just got whistled for his second foul --- and the game hasn't even started yet!

All kidding aside, these are two of the best offensive teams in the B1G. My gut tells me that the final score will be 78-75. I go back and fourth on who will win.

A game in the 70s does not likely favor Purdue...if it gets in the 80s, it definitely does not...if Purdue wins, it will likely be a result of their defense, and if that is the case, I think they will need to keep IU in the 60s, and that is going to be tough to do given their offensive proficiency at home.

 

[DG10]

I don't see us losing this. We do everything better than they do. The types of players that give us fits are hurt. Their point guard is not named Yogi. It's hard to find even a small area where they have an advantage other than it's @ass hall.

Bryant is a huge matchup problem...as is Newkirk...and, while Purdue has the ability to go big with Haas and Swanigan, IU can answer with Davis and Bryant, and that poses just as much of a problem for Purdue as the issue that it generally presents in favor of Purdue.

There just are a lot of potential matchup issues for Purdue in this game seemingly, and, they are able to dribble drive, which has plagued Purdue for years.

If Purdue can defend well (as they have at home, but not so much on the road) and hit shots, they will have a chance...if it turns into a shootout, or if Swanigan and/or Haas are in foul trouble (almost a given down there), it could not only be difficult, it could flat out get ugly.

The advantage of @ass hall is a significant one, especially in this game.

 

[bonefish1]

I don't remember seeing it much, but what about VE and Biggie running the high pick/roll?
Would only be able to do this with Biggie as he's a threat from 3. It pulls Bryant out of the lane as he has to respect Biggies 3 pt shot and gives VE the option to drive to the hole or forces the D to collapse leaving 1 of 3 good shooters waiting for the kick out at the 3pt line. VE is supposed to be our next best creator off the bounce next to CE and I don't think he does it nearly enough.
It's basically the same play that kills us most games but can only be run with VE/CE and Biggie since Haas isn't a threat from 3.

 

[bonefish1]

Bryant is a huge matchup problem...as is Newkirk...and, while Purdue has the ability to go big with Haas and Swanigan, IU can answer with Davis and Bryant, and that poses just as much of a problem for Purdue as the issue that it generally presents in favor of Purdue.

There just are a lot of potential matchup issues for Purdue in this game seemingly, and, they are able to dribble drive, which has plagued Purdue for years.

If Purdue can defend well (as they have at home, but not so much on the road) and hit shots, they will have a chance...if it turns into a shootout, or if Swanigan and/or Haas are in foul trouble (almost a given down there), it could not only be difficult, it could flat out get ugly.

The advantage of @ass hall is a significant one, especially in this game.

I assume PU will be switching on all those weave screens out around the perimeter as iu looks for a crease to penetrate and then kick out to a shooter.
Haas and Biggie can't worry about trying to block shots. If they alter them, fine, but neither is a shot blocker like Hammons and it's likely to just get them in foul trouble.

 

[rgarlitz]

A game in the 70s does not likely favor Purdue...if it gets in the 80s, it definitely does not...if Purdue wins, it will likely be a result of their defense, and if that is the case, I think they will need to keep IU in the 60s, and that is going to be tough to do given their offensive proficiency at home.

No question that holding Indiana below 70 would be huge for Purdue. Indiana has been something of a Jeckle and Hyde team offensively this year, but they shoot well at home, and Blackmon's return will give them even more offense. Plus, this isn't a vintage Purdue lock-down defensive team.

All-in-all, I think there are going to be some points scored Thursday. But, I also think Purdue has the offensive fire power to keep up. We'll see.

 

[boilerzz]

A game in the 70s does not likely favor Purdue...if it gets in the 80s, it definitely does not...if Purdue wins, it will likely be a result of their defense, and if that is the case, I think they will need to keep IU in the 60s, and that is going to be tough to do given their offensive proficiency at home.

Purdue has been held below 73 points just three times all year:

• The Georgia State game where we couldn't hit the broad side of a barn until the final 20-0 run
• The Louisville game because Louisville is the best defensive team in the country
• The Wisconsin game where their deliberate play kept possessions to a minimum

IU's D is really, really poor and they don't play deliberately offensively. I can't imagine them holding us below 70 so a game in the 70's should be just fine for Purdue.

That said, it would obviously be nice to hold them to the 60's because that would virtually guarantee a Purdue win.

 

[TwinDegrees2]

Holy Cow! Isaac just got whistled for his second foul --- and the game hasn't even started yet!

All kidding aside, these are two of the best offensive teams in the B1G. My gut tells me that the final score will be 78-75. I go back and fourth on who will win.

I'd take the team that plays defense and we know IU doesn't do that.

 

[bonefish1]

I believe getting CE in double digits means we win also, right? So, let's get him going early like at MD and at home vs Iowa.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

Force Blackmon to go left, don't let him get going towards the rim on the right, don't give him open looks from the top of the key.
I think PJ guards Blackmon as he's more physical and Blackmon doesn't like physical D. Similar to what Bryson Scott did to him at IPFW game.

I'd put DM on JBJ. He will take away his right hand. JBJ can just shoot over PJ. Put PJ on Johnson, and CE on Newkirk.

 

[BoilerAndy]

Holy Cow! Isaac just got whistled for his second foul --- and the game hasn't even started yet!

Hopefully the refs won't fall for the "acting" by the Queen-coached team. He has a pathetic history of coaching his team to go out of their way to get opposing players DQ'd.

 

[TopSecretBoiler]

Bryant is a huge matchup problem...as is Newkirk...and, while Purdue has the ability to go big with Haas and Swanigan, IU can answer with Davis and Bryant, and that poses just as much of a problem for Purdue as the issue that it generally presents in favor of Purdue.

There just are a lot of potential matchup issues for Purdue in this game seemingly, and, they are able to dribble drive, which has plagued Purdue for years.

If Purdue can defend well (as they have at home, but not so much on the road) and hit shots, they will have a chance...if it turns into a shootout, or if Swanigan and/or Haas are in foul trouble (almost a given down there), it could not only be difficult, it could flat out get ugly.

The advantage of @ass hall is a significant one, especially in this game.

LOL bryant and davis will answer haas and swanigan. I can't wait.

 

[nagemj02]

Good time to start Haas and stop Bryant's momentum and put Vince on Blackmon. Let's see if Haas can stay out of foul trouble and adjust to playing a lot more minutes.

VE on Blackmon? I'm not sure that's the best idea.

Of my projected starters, I see the man-to-man matchups primarily being:

1. CE on Newkirk

2. Thompson on Johnson

3. Mathias on Blackmon, Jr.

4. VE on Morgan

5. Swanigan on Bryant

Haas has done well vs. the Hoosiers in his sixth man role each of the past two seasons. I believe that plan can or will work again.

I think Robert Johnson is one player to keep an eye on, along with De'Ron Davis off the bench. He doesn't get a lot of attention but he's just as good as JBJ, IMO. With Davis, I'm just concerned because it seems like any freshman bigs with some talent (i.e. Eric Curry of Minnesota), especially when they're not being hyped up, tend to produce some solid games vs. Purdue. With that said, I hope the team is locked in and ready to play their (blank) off tonight.

Boiler Up

 

[BoilerDaddy]

A game in the 70s does not likely favor Purdue...if it gets in the 80s, it definitely does not...if Purdue wins, it will likely be a result of their defense, and if that is the case, I think they will need to keep IU in the 60s, and that is going to be tough to do given their offensive proficiency at home.

I don't see it that way. Purdue averages over 82 points per game and IU has a shaky defense. I think that Purdue can win this game even if it is high scoring.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I believe getting CE in double digits means we win also, right? So, let's get him going early like at MD and at home vs Iowa.

Generally.....Nebraska being the lone exception.

However, I like the idea of getting CE going early (without overly forcing things) because it opens so much more on that end and allows Purdue to take advantage of more opportunities. Really looking forward to how he responds to this challenge.

 

[DG10]

LOL bryant and davis will answer haas and swanigan. I can't wait.

I did not say that they would answer Haas and Swanigan, I said that they posed the same problems for Haas and Swanigan (and Purdue) that Haas and Swanigan usually pose for opposing teams (and, that they potentially do for Bryant and Davis for that matter).

Neither Haas or Swanigan match up well with Bryant, particularly given his ability to roam around the perimeter and away from the basket...Davis is the opposite problem in that he is a back-to-the-basket solid post player...if they are on the floor at the same time, Swanigan would cover Bryant and Haas would defend Davis...but both can cause problems for Purdue at that end of the floor...and the reverse is true, as I think Swanigan and Haas could cause the exact same problems for Bryant/Davis/IU at the other end was all I was getting at.

Purdue generally dictates personnel with its size...IU will be able to do the same if it elects to.

 

[DG10]

I don't see it that way. Purdue averages over 82 points per game and IU has a shaky defense. I think that Purdue can win this game even if it is high scoring.

I don't like Purdue's chances to win in a shootout...does not mean that it could not happen, but, when Purdue has been at its best this year, it has been because it has been good defensively...I know in the three conference losses that it has had that it gave up at least 80 in each of those.

IU does have a shaky defense, and is why they try to generally win games by turning it into a shootout...Purdue has an inconsistent defense rather than a shaky one...it has won games due to its ability to score, but won them comfortably (if not dominated them) due to really good defense...just on Saturday at Maryland Purdue was able to keep Maryland from scoring from the field for 13 of the 20 minutes in the second half, which went a long way towards allowing them to win that game.

 

[DG10]

VE on Blackmon? I'm not sure that's the best idea.

Of my projected starters, I see the man-to-man matchups primarily being:

1. CE on Newkirk

2. Thompson on Johnson

3. Mathias on Blackmon, Jr.

4. VE on Morgan

5. Swanigan on Bryant

Haas has done well vs. the Hoosiers in his sixth man role each of the past two seasons. I believe that plan can or will work again.

I think Robert Johnson is one player to keep an eye on, along with De'Ron Davis off the bench. He doesn't get a lot of attention but he's just as good as JBJ, IMO. With Davis, I'm just concerned because it seems like any freshman bigs with some talent (i.e. Eric Curry of Minnesota), especially when they're not being hyped up, tend to produce some solid games vs. Purdue. With that said, I hope the team is locked in and ready to play their (blank) off tonight.

Boiler Up

VE on Blackmon would be a horrible matchup, never mind it creates another one somewhere with nobody to guard Morgan.

Purdue has had success in the past against Blackmon by being physical with him...not sure that they have anyone to do that with now...but VE is not a good matchup seemingly, as he struggles (mightily) against guys that are good off the dribble, or, guys that he has to chase around...and Blackmon does both.

Like you, Johnson is the guy that concerns me, as he is the one that really sets the tone for them offensively it seems, especially if he is knocking down threes. Newkirk has been really good (and much more aggressive) two games in a row now and requires attention more so now than previously as a result.

 

[proudopete]

I don't like Purdue's chances to win in a shootout...does not mean that it could not happen, but, when Purdue has been at its best this year, it has been because it has been good defensively...I know in the three conference losses that it has had that it gave up at least 80 in each of those.

IU does have a shaky defense, and is why they try to generally win games by turning it into a shootout...Purdue has an inconsistent defense rather than a shaky one...it has won games due to its ability to score, but won them comfortably (if not dominated them) due to really good defense...just on Saturday at Maryland Purdue was able to keep Maryland from scoring from the field for 13 of the 20 minutes in the second half, which went a long way towards allowing them to win that game.

Maryland still scored during that period. It was field goals they didn't allow. Trimble scored plenty from the line during that time. If not for the ability to score more, Purdue would've lost.
But yes, it would be nice to see a good defensive effort tonight. But, I feel you are undervaluing our ability to score a bunch as a reason we have won most of our games.

 

[DG10]

Maryland still scored during that period. It was field goals they didn't allow. Trimble scored plenty from the line during that time. If not for the ability to score more, Purdue would've lost.
But yes, it would be nice to see a good defensive effort tonight. But, I feel you are undervaluing our ability to score a bunch as a reason we have won most of our games.

Maryland did score, but it had more to do with calls that were made that allowed it to happen rather than poor defense...my point was that Purdue had defended very well during that/those time(s).

I don't discount Purdue's ability to score at all, as, to date, it has been very consistent (and very impressive)...I admittedly tend to worry about it on the road (although, again, to date, not an issue), but, I just think that despite what it has done offensively (and has shown itself capable of), it is at its best when it is good defensively.

I just don't think IU has near as good a chance of winning if the game does not turn into a shootout, as that plays right into their MO if it does...and especially so there. They are not a patient team generally speaking, and they are not one to grind out offense...and, with their propensity to turn the ball over, if they are forced to run offense there is the increased likelihood of that occurring...same at the other end, as they do not like to defend...running some offense and making them have to is more likely to lead to an open look and/or easy basket rather than just trying to run up and down the floor with them.

Ultimately...Purdue can win a game because of its defense...it can survive a tough shooting night potentially...I don't think the same is true for IU.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I don't like Purdue's chances to win in a shootout...does not mean that it could not happen, but, when Purdue has been at its best this year, it has been because it has been good defensively...I know in the three conference losses that it has had that it gave up at least 80 in each of those.

IU does have a shaky defense, and is why they try to generally win games by turning it into a shootout...Purdue has an inconsistent defense rather than a shaky one...it has won games due to its ability to score, but won them comfortably (if not dominated them) due to really good defense...just on Saturday at Maryland Purdue was able to keep Maryland from scoring from the field for 13 of the 20 minutes in the second half, which went a long way towards allowing them to win that game.

I agree that Purdue's chances are much better if it plays solid defense, but I am not worried about the tempo of the game being fast, because this Purdue team doesn't waste a lot of time creating a good shot opportunity.

 

[proudopete]

Maryland did score, but it had more to do with calls that were made that allowed it to happen rather than poor defense...my point was that Purdue had defended very well during that/those time(s).

I don't discount Purdue's ability to score at all, as, to date, it has been very consistent (and very impressive)...I admittedly tend to worry about it on the road (although, again, to date, not an issue), but, I just think that despite what it has done offensively (and has shown itself capable of), it is at its best when it is good defensively.

I just don't think IU has near as good a chance of winning if the game does not turn into a shootout, as that plays right into their MO if it does...and especially so there. They are not a patient team generally speaking, and they are not one to grind out offense...and, with their propensity to turn the ball over, if they are forced to run offense there is the increased likelihood of that occurring...same at the other end, as they do not like to defend...running some offense and making them have to is more likely to lead to an open look and/or easy basket rather than just trying to run up and down the floor with them.

Ultimately...Purdue can win a game because of its defense...it can survive a tough shooting night potentially...I don't think the same is true for IU.

I ageee with that. I think a key will be rebounding and not allowing them run outs. I feel if we are able to set up our defense, they are more than capable of sabatoging themselves with their helter skelter offense. Blackmon doesn't worry me at all. He should be rusty and it is the other players we can't allow to get into rythym.
They are probably going to score a lot at home. I think we should be able to score more and that was the difference between last year and this. Last year it seems we struggled to score at times and so far we have avoided that for the most part this year.

 

[walstib816]

Johnson may not be the shooter Blackmon is but he's not too far off. However, he is much better at penetration. I think Dakota on him is a must.

As was said earlier, we can't help off these two at the three point line. I just don't think they can beat us without a big night from three. Matt has been pretty effective scheming against Crean. Take away what they want to do and they will turn the ball over and over.

Be patient on offense. We will get good shots if we do.

Boierbob are you using some other then then the recent record against the hoosiers (comment about painter) ? Maybe you see schemes we do not....war 1240 Fowler cts.