Purdue/Northwestern overview

[nagemj02]

When: Sunday, March 5th

Where: Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, IL

Tip-Off: 4:30 (ET)

TV: CBS


Head Coaches:

Purdue: Matt Painter (12th season)

Northwestern: Chris Collins (4th season)


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

Northwestern's Team Stats: http://www.nusports.com/cumestats.aspx?path=mbball&year=2016&



Projected Starters:

Purdue

1/2 #11 P.J. Thompson 5'10 175 (Jr.): averaging 7.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1 SPG, 3 APG, 45% FG's (74-163), 74% FT's (29-39), 40% 3PT's (45-114), and 28.2 MPG in 30 GP this season

2 #31 Dakota Mathias 6'4 195 (Jr.): averaging 10 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 49% FG's (104-213), 85% FT's (29-34), 48% 3PT's (63-131), and 31.1 MPG in 30 GP this season

2 #14 Ryan Cline 6'5 190 (So.): averaging 5.8 PPG, 43% FG's (51-119), 82% FT's (9-11), 43% 3PT's (41-96), and 21.3 MPG in 26 GP this season

3/4 #12 Vincent "Vince" Edwards 6'8 215 (Jr.): averaging 11.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 47% FG's (126-268), 84% FT's (63-75), 44% 3PT's (42-96), and 28.2 MPG in 30 GP this season

5/4 #50 Caleb "Biggie" Swanigan 6'9 245 (So.): averaging 18.6 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 3.4 TPG, 2.8 FPG, 54% FG's (190-352), 79% FT's (149-188), 46% 3PT's (30-66), and 31.9 MPG in 30 GP this season


Northwestern

1 #30 Bryant McIntosh 6'3 175 (Jr.): averaging 14.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.6 TPG, 38% FG's (157-409), 87% FT's (80-92), 28% 3PT's (33-118), and 34.1 MPG in 30 GP this season

2 #20 Scottie Lindsey 6'5 195 (Jr.): averaging 14.2 PPG, 4 RPG, 1 SPG, 2.4 APG, 42% FG's (132-212), 85% FT's (57-67), 33% 3PT's (48-145), and 30.9 MPG in 26 GP this season

3/4 #4 Victor "Vic" Law 6'6 200 (RS So.): averaging 12.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.6 FPG, 41% FG's (126-310), 74% FT's (79-107), 40% 3PT's (51-128), and 32.4 MPG in 30 GP this season

4/3 #34 Sanjay Lumpkin 6'6 220 (RS Sr.): averaging 6.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.2 FPG, 55% FG's (65-118), 69% FT's (38-55), 32% 3PT's (14-44), and 27.8 MPG in 30 GP this season

5/4 #5 Dererk Pardon 6'8 235 (So.) (left-handed shooter): averaging 8.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 2.5 FPG, 60% FG's (80-134), 50% FT's (26-52), no 3PT's attempted, and 30.5 MPG in 22 GP this season



Projected Reinforcements:

Purdue

1 #55 Michael "Spike" Albrecht 5'11 180 (RS Sr.): averaging 1.8 PPG, 27% FG's (10-37), 94% FT's (16-17), 21% 3PT's (5-24), and 12.6 MPG in 23 GP this season

1/2 #3 Carsen Edwards 6'0 185 (Fr.): averaging 10.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1 SPG, 38% FG's (113-294), 71% FT's (43-61), 35% 3PT's (45-128), and 23.7 MPG in 30 GP this season

5 #44 Isaac Haas 7'2 280 (Jr.): averaging 13 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.3 TPG, 59% FG's (136-232), 72% FT's (117-162), no 3PT's attempted, and 20.1 MPG in 30 GP this season


Northwestern

1/2 #12 Isiah Brown 6'1 165 (Fr.): averaging 7 PPG, 33% FG's (64-193), 77% FT's (58-75), 29% 3PT's (18-63), and 16.4 MPG in 29 GP this season

2/1 #23 Jordan Ash 6'2 180 (So.) (left-handed shooter): averaging 0.7 PPG, 26% FG's (5-19), no FT's attempted, 36% 3PT's (5-14), and 3.8 MPG in 22 GP this season

3/4 #32 Nathan "Nate" Taphorn 6'7 215 (Sr.): averaging 4.6 PPG, 47% FG's (44-93), 81% FT's (13-16), 45% 3PT's (32-71), and 11.7 MPG in 29 GP this season

4/5 #44 Gavin Skelly 6'8 220 (Jr.): averaging 6.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 2.9 FPG, 49% FG's (65-133), 78% FT's (49-63), 33% 3PT's (17-51), and 18.8 MPG in 30 GP this season

5/4 #25 Barret Benson 6'10 235 (Fr.): averaging 2.1 PPG, 55% FG's (21-38), 57% FT's (13-23), no 3PT's attempted, and 8.1 MPG in 26 GP this season

 

[Summy1]

Damn dude, I like the excitement but this game is 4 days away. Enjoy last nights win for a little longer.

 

[nagemj02]

Damn dude, I like the excitement but this game is 4 days away. Enjoy last nights win for a little longer.

I enjoyed it. It's time to move on to the next game. A shared conference title is like a goal being halfway accomplished. We want to see them win it outright (I prefer it not be by default either: i.e. Wisconsin losing). Next, I want to see them at least make it to the B1G Tourney title game. Then it's time to have fun and watch them win one game at a time in the NCAA Tournament.

 

[nagemj02]

What will be some of the Boilers' (non-obvious) keys to winning on Sunday?

 

[TC4THREE]

One thing of note is that Lindsey hasn't been shooting very well since coming back. 11/40 from the field and 3/20 from deep in the 4 games since returning from mono. I think I'd keep Dakota on Law and take my chances with a lesser defender on Lindsey.

Pardon doesn't shoot from outside so that's good news for our defense.

Keys will be to keep McIntosh out of the lane and limit our turnovers.

BTW, I don't know what it is about Sanjay Lumpkin but he's one of the most irritating players in the Big Ten to me. Seems like he's been there forever and I think he's had a few decent games and/or moments against Purdue in prior seasons. I will be thrilled to see him go after this season.

 

[nagemj02]

One thing of note is that Lindsey hasn't been shooting very well since coming back. 11/40 from the field and 3/20 from deep in the 4 games since returning from mono. I think I'd keep Dakota on Law and take my chances with a lesser defender on Lindsey.

Pardon doesn't shoot from outside so that's good news for our defense.

Keys will be to keep McIntosh out of the lane and limit our turnovers.

BTW, I don't know what it is about Sanjay Lumpkin but he's one of the most irritating players in the Big Ten to me. Seems like he's been there forever and I think he's had a few decent games and/or moments against Purdue in prior seasons. I will be thrilled to see him go after this season.

Yeah, Lumpkin and Taphorn were rotation players (particularly Lumpkin) on the Northwestern team that swept Purdue (beating Purdue on the Boilers' Senior Day) in the 2013-2014 season: http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400510062

It seems like so long ago because that Boilers team was so frustratingly bad but ever since then Purdue's teams have been so much better, yet those two guys are still playing for NW. Hopefully, PU can do the same thing to NW on their Senior Day.

I think CE, Thompson, or Mathias can collectively do a good job keeping in front of McIntosh on D.

 

[nagemj02]

1. Keep McIntosh out of the lane
2. Limit turnovers

Does anyone have any other (non-obvious) ones?

 

[boiler-deuce]

1. Keep McIntosh out of the lane
2. Limit turnovers

Does anyone have any other (non-obvious) ones?

My concern now, as opposed to when I first made the (stellar) prediction that Mich was the scary game and not NW, the title is wrapped up and focus may fall off. Other than that, I'm not really worried match up wise.

 

[nagemj02]

That's a valid concern, along with Lindsey and Taphorn not playing when the Boilers won 80-59 in Mackey on February 1st.

Also, Vic Law had one of his worst (if not THE worst) games of the season (at least offensively) in that first matchup: http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400915142

I anticipate him being more offensively productive on Sunday, no matter how well he's defended.

 

[boiler-deuce]

I first predicted Mich, IU and NW in that order of toughest games remaining. I reserve the right to get a pass on NW, due to having no idea we'd wrap up the league and the game would be nearly meaningless to us. I think we're all pleasantly pleased with the outcome. I'm scared they may be looking ahead to the BTT Sunday. It's actually a nice problem to have.

 

[nagemj02]

I first predicted Mich, IU and NW in that order of toughest games remaining. I reserve the right to get a pass on NW, due to having no idea we'd wrap up the league and the game would be nearly meaningless to us. I think we're all pleasantly pleased with the outcome. I'm scared they may be looking ahead to the BTT Sunday. It's actually a nice problem to have.

It should still mean something to the Boilers. For one, it's just a pride thing and wanting to play better than the opposition. Also, winning can help push them towards the possibility of moving up a seed line or two by the time Selection Sunday is here.

 

[proudopete]

Draw fouls. Free throws are our greatest strength heading into the tourney. We need to shoot as many as possible.

 

[nagemj02]

Draw fouls. Free throws are our greatest strength heading into the tourney. We need to shoot as many as possible.

That's a good strategy, especially since Law, Lumpkin, Pardon and Skelly are all averaging 2.5 fouls per game or more for the season.

 

[boiler-deuce]

It should still mean something to the Boilers. For one, it's just a pride thing and wanting to play better than the opposition. Also, winning can help push them towards the possibility of moving up a seed line or two by the time Selection Sunday is here.

I wholeheartedly concur Nag. It "should" mean something, but, it's possible to have a hangover and play a bit flat. And, we cannot do that against NW. "IF" we get beat up there, I completely blame a mental/emotional lapse. I would still not worry one bit about this game if we needed it to clinch or share the title. Even though you're right, this win would be a benefit....a letdown is my biggest concern right now.

 

[Schnelk]

NW will be at full strength this time, wanting revenge, and playing at home trying to knock the BIG Champs off to further impress the committee. It will be as tough of a game as we've had all season, imo. The Champs should be up to the challenge though. Btfu!

 

[nagemj02]

I wholeheartedly concur Nag. It "should" mean something, but, it's possible to have a hangover and play a bit flat. And, we cannot do that against NW. "IF" we get beat up there, I completely blame a mental/emotional lapse. I would still not worry one bit about this game if we needed it to clinch or share the title. Even though you're right, this win would be a benefit....a letdown is my biggest concern right now.

That might be true but you can basically say the same thing about NW as well after their "NCAA Tournament clinching" win vs. Michigan in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night. So, like you mentioned, I believe it comes down to who is the most mentally prepared/mature in approach tomorrow and then, of course, execution.

 

[krazyjvilled]

purdue needs to man up and win this game tomorrow... with UF, Duke, and Butler all losing, we have a legit shot to lock up a 4 seed, with a realistic shot of getting a 3 seed if we then get to the big ten championship game.

They should want this just as much as if they needed it to secure the big ten title

 

[nagemj02]

purdue needs to man up and win this game tomorrow... with UF, Duke, and Butler all losing, we have a legit shot to lock up a 4 seed, with a realistic shot of getting a 3 seed if we then get to the big ten championship game.

They should want this just as much as if they needed it to secure the big ten title

Amen

I honestly feel like they should be more hyped for this game than they were for the IU game this past Tuesday.

 

[cprh9u]

NW needs this game more than we do, playing at home on CBS for the first time since who knows when and has some key players back. I don't feel great about this game. It doesn't help that we haven't played well traditionally at NW even in their crappy years.

 

[cinboiler]

NW needs this game more than we do, playing at home on CBS for the first time since who knows when and has some key players back. I don't feel great about this game. It doesn't help that we haven't played well traditionally at NW even in their crappy years.

You are spot on. We have had a great year and played well on the road. Unfortunately we play like crap today and all the negative will come out. Every player on this team has to play with emotion. No deer in headlights.

 

[BBG]

I hope the team isn't as complacent about this game as I am. I think our seeding is already locked in and this game and the BTT I just don't feel will change much for us in that regard.

My biggest fear is that someone gets hurt in what may very well be a rather irrelevant game.

 

[krazyjvilled]

Dosagree, our seed is far from locked in.. there are multiple games left, we can still improve our seed as well as our chance to go far in the ncaa tourney

 

[lbodel]

I hope the team isn't as complacent about this game as I am. I think our seeding is already locked in and this game and the BTT I just don't feel will change much for us in that regard.

My biggest fear is that someone gets hurt in what may very well be a rather irrelevant game.

It's a tricky game on multiple levels...

1. We've wrapped up an outright Big Ten Championship. That's great, but we obviously are not playing for any regular season thing and we have our BTT seed locked in.

2. But who knows where we are at with the selection committee? We could be barely a 4 seed - we could be a 5 seed. If we lose to NW then happen to lose our first BTT game (which is very plausible), you could bump yourself down to a 6 seed easily. It's HARD to motivate a team solely based on well we may be able to maintain our NCAA Tournament seed if we win today guys.

3. On the other hand, NW is considered to be relatively safe to be in the tournament, however - it's a team that has NEVER made an NCAA Tournament, so they aren't exactly going to relax I'm sure. Add in the fact that it will be a rare sell out, senior day, etc. - it will be a very emotional/tough environment (granted, emotional environments are sometimes tricky for the home team too).

Overall, this is a game that Purdue has to want to win. I don't think they're going to be lazy about it and not care. And quite frankly, they could come out, play hard and focused and still lose this game. Like I said, if Purdue does lose this, it does put some more pressure on them in the BTT to maintain seeding, but that's getting into the nitty gritty.

 

[proudopete]

Well, I drove from Nashville to Evanston yesterday, so I predict a win.

This is a smart team. I think they understand the ramifications of coming in satisfied.

 

[nagemj02]

NW needs this game more than we do, playing at home on CBS for the first time since who knows when and has some key players back. I don't feel great about this game. It doesn't help that we haven't played well traditionally at NW even in their crappy years.

I disagree. Northwestern's tourney bid is all but sealed now with their win over Michigan. Purdue has a chance to improve their seeding with a win today (along with two wins in the B1G Tourney).

Boiler Up

 

[boilerzz]

1. Keep McIntosh out of the lane
2. Limit turnovers

Does anyone have any other (non-obvious) ones?

IMO, they need to play Boilermaker Man to Man D the entire game and not mess with something that they clearly don't have the personnel for.

 

[Kelly_32]

From a Northwestern perspective....

While almost a certainty to make their first NCAA tournament, a lot of the projections show them as a 8 or 9 seed which would mean a potential matchup with a 1 seed in the second round. I'm sure they'd like to improve that seeding.

A Northwestern win and a Wisconsin loss gives the Cats the #4 seed and a double bye in the BTT.

This will be the final home game for Lumpkin and Taphorn. It will also be the final game in Welsh-Ryan Arena for McIntosh, Lindsey and Skelly as the Cats will be playing their games at Rosemont next season.

The Cats get a rare game on CBS today which I'm sure is something that's motivating them.

Northwestern played their poorest game to date at Purdue. I'm sure they are looking forward to another shot at the Boilers. That being said, I don't think the Cats matchup all that well with Purdue.

Northwestern has a lot to play for today. Purdue....maybe NCAA tournament seeding and pride but that's it.

It'll be interesting to see if Painter plays his Swanigan and V. Edwards their normal minutes or if he tries to reduce minutes for a few of Purdue's key players.

 

[boilerzz]

From a Northwestern perspective....

While almost a certainty to make their first NCAA tournament, a lot of the projections show them as a 8 or 9 seed which would mean a potential matchup with a 1 seed in the second round. I'm sure they'd like to improve that seeding.

A Northwestern win and a Wisconsin loss gives the Cats the #4 seed and a double bye in the BTT.

This will be the final home game for Lumpkin and Taphorn. It will also be the final game in Welsh-Ryan Arena for McIntosh, Lindsey and Skelly as the Cats will be playing their games at Rosemont next season.

The Cats get a rare game on CBS today which I'm sure is something that's motivating them.

Northwestern played their poorest game to date at Purdue. I'm sure they are looking forward to another shot at the Boilers. That being said, I don't think the Cats matchup all that well with Purdue.

Northwestern has a lot to play for today. Purdue....maybe NCAA tournament seeding and pride but that's it.

It'll be interesting to see if Painter plays his Swanigan and V. Edwards their normal minutes or if he tries to reduce minutes for a few of Purdue's key players.

I'll be stunned if Painter doesn't play his guys normal minutes. The team hasn't played since Tuesday and don't play again until Friday so no need to rest them. And Purdue is playing for a four seed (and possibly a three if a few things happen). None of us want Purdue on that five line (still have nightmares about last year).

 

[FirstDownB]

It'll be interesting to see if Painter plays his Swanigan and V. Edwards their normal minutes or if he tries to reduce minutes for a few of Purdue's key players.

Reduced minutes for both Swanigan and VE would be a big white flag. Purdue simply doesn't have front court depth and Haas doesn't play more than 25 minutes.

 

[tjreese]

IMO, they need to play Boilermaker Man to Man D the entire game and not mess with something that they clearly don't have the personnel for.

...or surprise them by playing something they haven't seen in the last couple of days

 

[cprh9u]

I disagree. Northwestern's tourney bid is all but sealed now with their win over Michigan. Purdue has a chance to improve their seeding with a win today (along with two wins in the B1G Tourney).

Boiler Up

I see Purdue as a 4 or 5 almost regardless. NW might be a 8 or 9 but if they could put together a run, beating PU twice (including BTT) they could jump to a 6 or ? Seems like they have more to play for IMHO plus the fact that they may have never hosted a CBS game before. Doesn't really matter, it's an important game for both teams so no sense in nitpicking.

 

[lbodel]

I disagree. Northwestern's tourney bid is all but sealed now with their win over Michigan. Purdue has a chance to improve their seeding with a win today (along with two wins in the B1G Tourney).

Boiler Up

The difference is they are playing at their house, senior day and a sell out crowd. They'll have plenty of energy. It's more difficult "not playing for anything" as a road team. That being said, neither team is not playing for anything - it's just a matter of how detailed you have to get to describe what they're playing for.

 

[nagemj02]

Let's go, Boilers! Finish strong!

 

[cjf04]

Free timeout for Northwestern....such bullshit.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Free timeout for Northwestern....such bullshit.

Wish they could "T" up the refs on these reviews that take forever.

"Hey, Joe, what do you think? I don't know....let's get Bill in here." How do you change the brightness on the monitor?"

 

[nagemj02]

The Boilers got it done. They finished the regular season strongly. They're 14-4 and regular season outright champions! Goal #1 has been accomplished. It's time for them to move on to their the next goal (conference tourney champs)!

Boiler Up