Purdue/Nebraska overview

[nagemj02]

When: Sunday, January 29th

Where: Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE

Tip-Off: 4:30 (ET)

TV: BTN


Head Coaches:

Purdue: Matt Painter (12th season)

Nebraska: Tim Miles (5th season)



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


Nebraska's Team Stats: http://www.huskers.com/fls/100/MBBStats/2017/TEAMCUME.HTM?DB_OEM_ID=100#TEAM.TEM



Projected Starters:

Purdue:

1/2 #3 Carsen Edwards 6'0 185 (Fr.): averaging 10.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2 APG, 41% FG's (84-207), 67% FT's (26-39), 33% 3PT's (30-92), and 23.4 MPG in 21 GP this season

2/1 #11 P.J. Thompson 5'10 175 (Jr.): averaging 7.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1 SPG, 3.4 APG, 47% FG's (55-117), 71% FT's (15-21), 41% 3PT's (35-85), and 27.5 MPG in 21 GP this season

2 #31 Dakota Mathias 6'4 195 (Jr.): averaging 9.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.1 APG, 46% FG's (71-153), 84% FT's (16-19), 47% 3PT's (44-93), and 30.5 MPG in 21 GP this season

3/4 #12 Vince Edwards 6'8 215 (Jr.): averaging 11.8 PPG, 5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2 TPG, 48% FG's (87-183), 83% FT's (44-53), 44% 3PT's (29-66), and 27.3 MPG in 21 GP this season

5/4 #50 Caleb "Biggie" Swanigan 6'9 245 (So.): averaging 18.8 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 3.5 TPG, 56% FG's (136-242), 79% FT's (101-128), 50% 3PT's (21-42), and 31.7 MPG in 21 GP this season



Nebraska:

1/2 #5 Glynn Watson 6'0 170 (So.): averaging 14.6 PPG, 3 RPG, 2 SPG, 2.9 APG, 2.8 FPG, 43% FG's (105-243), 79% FT's (48-61), 41% 3PT's (34-83), and 32.2 MPG in 20 GP this season

2/1 #0 Tai Webster 6'4 190 (Sr.): averaging 18.3 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 3.9 APG, 3 TPG, 46% FG's (127-279), 72% FT's (84-116), 33% 3PT's (28-85), and 35.3 MPG in 20 GP this season

2/3 #11 Evan Taylor 6'4 200 (Jr.) (JC transfer) (played freshman season at Samford): averaging 5.1 PPG, 3 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 43% FG's (40-93), 70% FT's (19-27), 15% 3PT's (2-13), and 22.4 MPG in 20 GP this season

4/3 #10 Jack McVeigh 6'8 215 (So.): averaging 6.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 35% FG's (40-115), 82% FT's (14-17), 33% 3PT's (28-84), and 21.1 MPG in 19 GP this season

5/4 #12 Michael Jacobson 6'8 230 (So.): averaging 6.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 2.7 FPG, 37% FG's (49-131), 62% FT's (23-37), 14% 3PT's (3-21), and 25.4 MPG in 20 GP this season



Projected Reinforcements:

Purdue:

1 #55 Michael "Spike" Albrecht 5'11 180 (RS Sr.): averaging 2.1 PPG, 23% FG's (6-26), 93% FT's (14-15), 18% 3PT's (3-17), and 13.3 MPG in 14 GP this season

2 #14 Ryan Cline 6'5 190 (So.): averaging 6.4 PPG, 43% FG's (36-83), 78% FT's (7-9), 44% 3PT's (30-68), and 20.4 MPG in 17 GP this season

5 #44 Isaac Haas 7'2 280 (Jr.): averaging 13.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1 BPG, 2.4 TPG, 63% FG's (97-155), 72% FT's (89-124), no 3PT's attempted, and 21.1 MPG in 21 GP this season



Nebraska:

3/4 #2 Jeriah Horne 6'7 205 (Fr.): averaging 3.9 PPG, 41% FG's (26-63), 75% FT's (6-8), 34% 3PT's (13-38), and 10.3 MPG in 18 GP this season

4/3 #15 Isaiah Roby 6'8 200 (Fr.): averaging 3.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1 BPG, 39% FG's (24-61), 85% FT's (11-13), 19% 3PT's (3-16), and 15.5 MPG in 20 GP this season

5 #32 Jordy Tshimanga 6'9 240 (Fr.) (left-handed shooter): averaging 3.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 40% FG's (25-62), 66% FT's (23-35), no 3PT's attempted, and 10.2 MPG in 20 GP this season



Who Might Play:

Purdue:

3/4 #5 Basil Smotherman 6'6 225 (RS Jr.) (left-handed shooter): averaging 3.9 PPG, 56% FG's (30-54), 55% FT's (6-11), 31% 3PT's (4-13), and 12.1 MPG in 18 GP this season

4 #24 Grady Eifert 6'7 220 (So.): averaging 1.4 PPG, 86% FG's (6-7), 60% FT's (3-5), no 3PT's attempted, and 3.5 MPG in 11 GP this season


Nebraska:

4/5 #30 Ed Morrow 6'6 230 (So.) (has missed their past few games due to injury): averaging 10.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 2.7 FPG, 55% FG's (67-121), 59% FT's (27-46), no 3PT's attempted, and 25.3 MPG in 16 GP this season

 

[TC4THREE]

For some reason this game terrifies me.

 

[Boiler Buck]

For some reason this game terrifies me.

Why? apparently according to the OP as of right now....NE is not playing anyone.

 

[TC4THREE]

Why? apparently according to the OP as of right now....NE is not playing anyone.

Ha that is comforting. I certainly hope Glynn Watson doesn't show up for the game.

1. It's on the road.
2. We're feeling really good about our recent play but have a history of letups already in conference play against teams we should have beatedn.
3. If Nebraska has any pride, they are desperate for a win.
4. I think their guards are the types that we sometimes struggle to defend.

 

[arcb102000]

Ha that is comforting. I certainly hope Glynn Watson doesn't show up for the game.

1. It's on the road.
2. We're feeling really good about our recent play but have a history of letups already in conference play against teams we should have beatedn.
3. If Nebraska has any pride, they are desperate for a win.
4. I think their guards are the types that we sometimes struggle to defend.

The above are all valid points. I worry as well and I sincerely hope that I am wrong.

 

[Professor Emeritus]

For some reason this game terrifies me.

I'm terrified by the fact that I'm not terrified about this game.

 

[rgarlitz]

I'm confident that the Boilers will get it done Saturday. I understand all the concerns mentioned above, but it appears this team has done some growing up since the early season hiccups. My bet is that they'll be dialed in and withstand Nebraska's best punches.

Strangely, I think there could be an advantage for Purdue on this road swing in that the guys seem to have circled the wagons around each other. We'll see what this team is really made of over the next few games, and my gut tells me we're going to like it. Just a hunch.

 

[SqueakyClean]

I'm confident that the Boilers will get it done Saturday. .

I have no doubt that they will get it done Saturday. The problem is that the game is on Sunday!

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I have no doubt that they will get it done Saturday. The problem is that the game is on Sunday!

Beat me to it, Squeaky....no way Boilers lose this coming Saturday.

 

[FirstDownB]

Surprised to learn that Nebraska averages over 15,000 a game. Never thought of their fans as having much interest in basketball. Both they and Creighton are in the top 10. I suppose that's what not having any pro team within hundreds of miles does.

 

[meenie]

There is nothing to do in the state of Nebraska in the middle of winter.

 

[rgarlitz]

I have no doubt that they will get it done Saturday. The problem is that the game is on Sunday!

So I guess if they can't get it done on Saturday, then there won't even be a game on Sunday!

 

[boilernuke]

Ha that is comforting. I certainly hope Glynn Watson doesn't show up for the game.

1. It's on the road.
2. We're feeling really good about our recent play but have a history of letups already in conference play against teams we should have beatedn.
3. If Nebraska has any pride, they are desperate for a win.
4. I think their guards are the types that we sometimes struggle to defend.

MSU had the same recipe (except for maybe #4). I am less concerned about Nebraska if Purdue can keep the train rollin. I am more concerned about at Maryland or at iu.

 

[TC4THREE]

MSU had the same recipe (except for maybe #4). I am less concerned about Nebraska if Purdue can keep the train rollin. I am more concerned about at Maryland or at iu.

If we enter the Nebraska game with the same mindset as we did MSU. Like I said, I'm worried that we've had the slips against Minnesota and Iowa already.

I don't disagree about MD and IU. I do think our team will go into those games expecting to have to play their best to win. I would question whether or not we came into the Minnesota and Iowa games with the same mindset as we came into the Wisconsin and MSU games and that's why we lost them. Just don't want lightning to strike a 3rd time.

 

[Boiler Wolf]

Surprised to learn that Nebraska averages over 15,000 a game. Never thought of their fans as having much interest in basketball. Both they and Creighton are in the top 10. I suppose that's what not having any pro team within hundreds of miles does.

I think this is only the 4th season for Pinnacle Bank Arena. I've never been there, but it is supposed to be a really nice venue and is in the Lincoln Haymarket District. Lots of activity there, restaurants, bars, entertainment, shopping, etc. The arena has luxury boxes and suites and other amenities more associated with an NBA team. Since they don't have NBA, and Lincoln is a decent size (270K), it's a perfect setup for the Huskers and the fans still seem to have faith in Miles.

 

[tjreese]

I'm confident that the Boilers will get it done Saturday. I understand all the concerns mentioned above, but it appears this team has done some growing up since the early season hiccups. My bet is that they'll be dialed in and withstand Nebraska's best punches.

Strangely, I think there could be an advantage for Purdue on this road swing in that the guys seem to have circled the wagons around each other. We'll see what this team is really made of over the next few games, and my gut tells me we're going to like it. Just a hunch.

I'm there with you

 

[nagemj02]

I'm confident that the Boilers will get it done Saturday. I understand all the concerns mentioned above, but it appears this team has done some growing up since the early season hiccups. My bet is that they'll be dialed in and withstand Nebraska's best punches.

Strangely, I think there could be an advantage for Purdue on this road swing in that the guys seem to have circled the wagons around each other. We'll see what this team is really made of over the next few games, and my gut tells me we're going to like it. Just a hunch.

The game's on Sunday.

 

[PistolPt]

If this team slips like it did against Iowa and Minnesota than I suggest everybody start taming your expectations come tourney time. If we cant go in there and generate a W, we have more serious issues than everybody realizes. They don't have to bury them, just win on the road and cross another game off the schedule. I expect a W and if not, buy 8 couches and start the therapy as soon as arrive in WL.

 

[lbodel]

If this team slips like it did against Iowa and Minnesota than I suggest everybody start taming your expectations come tourney time. If we cant go in there and generate a W, we have more serious issues than everybody realizes. They don't have to bury them, just win on the road and cross another game off the schedule. I expect a W and if not, buy 8 couches and start the therapy as soon as arrive in WL.

Yes, if we lose this game, there's no chance of anything positive happening the rest of the year. Precisely.

 

[rgarlitz]

I don't think that's what Pistol is saying. Rather, I think he's saying that a trend of tripping up in should-win regular season games makes it feel more likely that something similar could happen in the NCAA Tournament.

I have to say, I've had similar thoughts.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I don't think that's what Pistol is saying. Rather, I think he's saying that a trend of tripping up in should-win regular season games makes it feel more likely that something similar could happen in the NCAA Tournament.

I have to say, I've had similar thoughts.

Blasphemer.....

 

[nagemj02]

We don't want to see them playing soft, settling for jumpers, and generally not playing as hard or tough after a "feel-good" win at Michigan State (any win is feel-good, but probably felt even a little better beating Izzo's team than a lot of the other victories). We don't want the team to let their guard down like they did on New Year's Day vs. Minnesota or the game at Iowa.

Boiler Up!

 

[Boilermaker]

We don't want to see them playing soft, settling for jumpers, and generally not playing as hard or tough after a "feel-good" win at Michigan State (any win is feel-good, but probably felt even a little better beating Izzo's team than a lot of the other victories). We don't want the team to let their guard down like they did on New Year's Day vs. Minnesota or the game at Iowa.

Boiler Up!

It wasn't just winning against Izzo and MSU that made them so happy, but shoving the vitriol back in the faces of the fans who were shit talking on Biggie all game (calling him traitor and worse). Can't forget he committed there first before coming to PU, so they hate him and let him know it.

 

[BuilderBob6]

I don't think that's what Pistol is saying. Rather, I think he's saying that a trend of tripping up in should-win regular season games makes it feel more likely that something similar could happen in the NCAA Tournament.

I have to say, I've had similar thoughts.

I certainly understand the fear of a letdown at Nebraska. While I agree it would be a bad sign, it wouldn't worry me as it translates to the dance. Having a bad game during the grind of the B1G season happens to everyone, especially in a game when you are favored on the road. Still no excuse for it but considering the results of the last two years in the tournament I believe this team and staff will be highly motivated regardless of the seed or the opponent.

A loss at Nebraska just puts the title farther out of reach and hurts our seeding. A letdown in the dance would be very surprising.

 

[BoilerNGold013]

I think the Boiler's have hit their stride. Most importantly, I think their focus will be locked on for the rest of the season. Not saying they wont get beat again but I don't think the 16-0 run to start the game ala Minn will happen again. Boilers get it done with a 15 point spread.

 

[nagemj02]

I think the Boiler's have hit their stride. Most importantly, I think their focus will be locked on for the rest of the season. Not saying they wont get beat again but I don't think the 16-0 run to start the game ala Minn will happen again. Boilers get it done with a 15 point spread.

You can say that, but others like myself would probably counter that they've watched too much college basketball (and specifically, Purdue basketball) to believe that that is any kind of certainty.

 

[TC4THREE]

I haven't watched much Nebraska basketball this year. Are they any better equipped to defend us in the paint than they were the past couple of years? I think they were the game that AJ had like 8 dunks in last year.

 

[Erock_94]

I'm sure Nebraska will play their best game of the year, but Purdue should still win. I don't think the Boiler will look past them, equal opportunity destroyers. Really the only remaining games that concern me are IU, because both games will be their superbowl before they go to the NIT.

 

[njm8845]

I think morrow is out for today

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I think morrow is out for today

They were 3-1 when he went down and they've been awful since. Purdue should win easily, but you never know.

 

[JesseAndrewEvans]

I hope everyone has a good time on this wonderful Sunday! Go Boilers!

 

[nagemj02]

They were 3-1 when he went down and they've been awful since. Purdue should win easily, but you never know.

"win easily"? LOL, it's conference play and on the road! There are no games left that anyone can state with accuracy that Purdue will "win easily".

 

[nagemj02]

It's about 20 minutes until tip-off.

Let's go!!!

 

[BoilerDaddy]

"win easily"? LOL, it's conference play and on the road! There are no games left that anyone can state with accuracy that Purdue will "win easily".

I didn't say that they will win easily. I said that they should win easily. I think that Purdue has a much better team. That said, I acknowledge that they might play poorly and Nebraska might pull off the upset. I just don't think it happens if Purdue plays like they should.