Purdue to play Houston in Sweet 16

[DubJellison]

Purdue has its foe for the Sweet 16 in Indianapolis next Friday, No. 1 seed Houston, who beat Gonzaga in the second round.

Purdue to play Houston in Sweet 16

Purdue now has its foe for the Sweet 16 next Friday, as the No. 1 seed Houston Cougars beat Gonzaga on Saturday.

purdue.rivals.com

 

[Chi-Boiler]

Opening line is Houston -7.5. A bit higher than I expected at first, but then I thought about it and kinda agree.

 

[BBG]

Opening line is Houston -7.5. A bit higher than I expected at first, but then I thought about it and kinda agree.

Sounds about right I think. It's a tall order as Houston is very good and we will need the bench to continue to step up.

 

[typeviic]

Is Houston another Portal/NIL built team?

 

[boilerzz]

Is Houston another Portal/NIL built team?

Not as heavily as some but they do have two starters (Cryer and Uzan) who are transfers.

 

[RossMackey]

Sounds about right I think. It's a tall order as Houston is very good and we will need the bench to continue to step up.

Purdue has a puncher’s chance.

Problem is— for all his sliminess— Sampson is far and away the best coach we’ve faced in awhile,

I fear he’ll know exactly how to neutralize what Purdue does best, and he has the talent to play that way indefinitely.

 

[DrEss]

No doubt, Houston will be tough to beat. Without Zach, these Boilers reaching the Sweet 16 is a great achievement. Hopefully they can now play without any pressure of further expectations, and just have fun with the Indy crowd. All the pressure is on Houston now. Long wait until Friday evening for us all. Go Purdue.

 

[Boiler Buck]

Opening line is Houston -7.5. A bit higher than I expected at first, but then I thought about it and kinda agree.

I had Houston in my FF. Sure Purdue has a 10% chance to win if they play like the AL or first Mich games at home.....but Houston's D, length and physicality will likely prevent that. Houston rebounds like crazy and scores in the paint at will. They are extremely well coached and will make things difficult for Purdue & Smith & btw they also shoot the 3 well.
Houston by 10-20.

 

[ImRonBurgandy?]

Purdue seems due for one of those AL or MI games at home type of game, and Houston seems due for a loss. They've won a bunch in a row now and a lot of them are pretty close.

 

[JerseyBoiler]

Houston is not super tall which benefits TKR and Furst a lot.
Our rebounding has been stellar the past 2 games.
If our guards bring their best D, we can run with these guys.
Have to defend the 3 point shot well as they shoot nearly 40% as a team.
A week off helps immensely too......especially for Smith.
Play loose, have fun!

 

[Boiler Buck]

Purdue seems due for one of those AL or MI games at home type of game, and Houston seems due for a loss. They've won a bunch in a row now and a lot of them are pretty close.

Would love to see that and also love to see Smith have a monster game which he hasn't had in awhile. Will take every bit of that to overcome this hurdle.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

Would love to see that and also love to see Smith have a monster game which he hasn't had in awhile. Will take every bit of that to overcome this hurdle.

A big knock on smith is that he hasn’t been able to play well vs longer, more athletic guards—which is exactly what Houston is.

I hope he shuts down all those ppl when he plays on Friday. Need him at 1st team AA level from here on out.

I’m looking forward to seeing the strategy that Paint and staff come up with. And then how we adjust as the game goes on.

In a sense, there’s no pressure on Purdue (finally) and tons on Houston. Hope the crowd plays a huge part on Friday!

Going to be a long five days! 😂 😂

 

[Boiler Buck]

A big knock on smith is that he hasn’t been able to play well vs longer, more athletic guards—which is exactly what Houston is.

I hope he shuts down all those ppl when he plays on Friday. Need him at 1st team AA level from here on out.

I’m looking forward to seeing the strategy that Paint and staff come up with. And then how we adjust as the game goes on.

In a sense, there’s no pressure on Purdue (finally) and tons on Houston. Hope the crowd plays a huge part on Friday!

Going to be a long five days! 😂 😂

I see Houston's ability similar to when we played Auburn in talent and physicality......so yes, will take a 2 SD above the normal performance curve effort by Purdue.

 

[rgarlitz]

I had Houston in my FF. Sure Purdue has a 10% chance to win if they play like the AL or first Mich games at home.....but Houston's D, length and physicality will likely prevent that. Houston rebounds like crazy and scores in the paint at will. They are extremely well coached and will make things difficult for Purdue & Smith & btw they also shoot the 3 well.
Houston by 10-20.

In my gut this is how I see it going, too.

But, Purdue will have 40 minutes to make it otherwise. A pro-Purdue crowd in Indy should help.

 

[clankhan]

No doubt, Houston will be tough to beat. Without Zach, these Boilers reaching the Sweet 16 is a great achievement. Hopefully they can now play without any pressure of further expectations, and just have fun with the Indy crowd. All the pressure is on Houston now. Long wait until Friday evening for us all. Go Purdue.

If only we could bring Jones or Zach back for another year (or while we’re pretending … Ivey). The main question is figuring out who Braden is going to guard, as their starting guards 6’1, 6’3 and 6’4 (with the 6’4 guy being the “smallest” and their main ball distributor)

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

If only we could bring Jones or Zach back for another year (or while we’re pretending … Ivey). The main question is figuring out who Braden is going to guard, as their starting guards 6’1, 6’3 and 6’4 (with the 6’4 guy being the “smallest” and their main ball distributor)

Probably any one of those guys. That’s not that big of height difference especially with smiths 6.5 ft wingspan

 

[clankhan]

Probably any one of those guys. That’s not that big of height difference especially with smiths 6.5 ft wingspan

Very true - just concerned they’re going to try to get him in foul trouble.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

This is one of the toughest matchups that Purdue could face in the entire field, but, as mentioned by others, this is a chance to matchup with all the pressure on the other team. I think that there will be opportunities, especially for the supporting players like Heide, Colvin, Harris, and Cox and if they can make Houston pay for their over-aggression, it should make for a great game.

 

[ImRonBurgandy?]

While we obviously haven't played Houston, I feel like what they throw at Smith won't be too much different than what Auburn and Marquette did.

Off topic, but why is this coming round being played at Lucas Oil and not Gainbridge? Thought they only played the Final 4 in the big stadiums.

 

[clankhan]

While we obviously haven't played Houston, I feel like what they throw at Smith won't be too much different than what Auburn and Marquette did.

Off topic, but why is this coming round being played at Lucas Oil and not Gainbridge? Thought they only played the Final 4 in the big stadiums.

I was looking at the seating chart and it looks like they’re only opening 30% of the seating (?)

how bad are we historically there? (I recall at one point we were like 0-4?)

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

This will be the third consecutive match-up for Purdue facing a team with a double-digit win streak.

Purdue under Painter is definitely overdue to knock off a Region top seed, and arguably would be the upset of the tournament so far if they somehow pulled it off. IIRC:

07 (Florida) - as #9 seed

'09 (Connecticut) - as #5 seed

'10 (Duke) - as #4 seed

'17 (Kansas) - as #4 seed

'19 (Virginia) - as #3 seed

'24 (Connecticut) - as #1 seed

'25 (Houston) - as #4 seed

 

[proudopete]

Houston has lost to Auburn, Alabama, Texas Tech and San Diego State. They aren’t super human. We can beat these guys if we shoot well and get rebounds the way we have been last two games. They had to have a record outing by Cryer to keep Gonzaga at bay. I don’t see him doing that two games in a row.

I trust the coaches to put together a winning game plan for Houston. Plenty of tape out there of what to do against their swarming defense.

 

[clankhan]

This will be the third consecutive match-up for Purdue facing a team with a double-digit win streak.

Purdue under Painter is definitely overdue to knock off a Region top seed, and arguably would be the upset of the tournament so far if they somehow pulled it off. IIRC:

07 (Florida) - as #9 seed

'09 (Connecticut) - as #5 seed

'10 (Duke) - as #4 seed

'17 (Kansas) - as #4 seed

'19 (Virginia) - as #3 seed

'24 (Connecticut) - as #1 seed

'25 (Houston) - as #4 seed

Last year, we overcame our Final Four and double-digit seed struggles — I guess this is the next hurdle!

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

While we obviously haven't played Houston, I feel like what they throw at Smith won't be too much different than what Auburn and Marquette did.

Off topic, but why is this coming round being played at Lucas Oil and not Gainbridge? Thought they only played the Final 4 in the big stadiums.

They've had Regional sites at domes/football stadiums from time to time - been to them at the Alamo Dome, (alert, look away now!) the Silver Dome, and Reliant/NRG Stadium in Houston.

Just for good measure, they've had the first two rounds at domes - was at the old Hoosier Dome in 1990 for another Boilerepherine festival with Purdue.

 

[clankhan]

They've had Regional sites at domes/football stadiums from time to time - been to them at the Alamo Dome, (alert, look away now!) the Silver Dome, and Reliant/NRG Stadium in Houston.

Just for good measure, they've had the first two rounds at domes - was at the old Hoosier Dome in 1990 for another Boilerepherine festival with Purdue.

Do you think the dome effect favors Houston? (Or neutral)

 

[Roeder]

Purdue seems due for one of those AL or MI games at home type of game, and Houston seems due for a loss. They've won a bunch in a row now and a lot of them are pretty close.

I agree. On Paper Houston is the obvious pick. They are the better team. Period.

With that being said Purdue is due for one of those games where they are hot from 3. Braden is due for a big game and coming off a bad one he is usually lights out. Defense and rebounding is much better and bench/role guys are playing as good as they have all year.

It will be a Pro-Purdue crowd. Not only Purdue fans Indy, but Tennessee and Kentucky (if they win today) will bring a ton of people who will all want the upset against Houston. I can't imagine Houston bringing a big crowd?

The pressure is on Houston. They've had #1 seeds the past 3 years and haven't made a Final 4. They did go in '21, but not sure how many of those guys are on this roster. As we all know that monkey on the back is a real thing and if it is a tight game it can be a factor mentally.

Houston is clearly the better team, but the circumstances give Purdue a chance IMO. We'll see....

 

[boilerzz]

Houston has lost to Auburn, Alabama, Texas Tech and San Diego State. They aren’t super human. We can beat these guys if we shoot well and get rebounds the way we have been last two games. They had to have a record outing by Cryer to keep Gonzaga at bay. I don’t see him doing that two games in a row.

I trust the coaches to put together a winning game plan for Houston. Plenty of tape out there of what to do against their swarming defense.

Auburn was by 5 points and Bama and SDSU were in OT. And more importantly, they were in November. Since the 4-3 start, Houston is 28-1. They are a juggernaut.

Can we beat them? Of course. But I'd put it at a once out of a dozen tries (yes, they are that good). Hoping like hell Friday is that one.

 

[boilerzz]

I agree. On Paper Houston is the obvious pick. They are the better team. Period.

With that being said Purdue is due for one of those games where they are hot from 3. Braden is due for a big game and coming off a bad one he is usually lights out. Defense and rebounding is much better and bench/role guys are playing as good as they have all year.

It will be a Pro-Purdue crowd. Not only Purdue fans Indy, but Tennessee and Kentucky (if they win today) will bring a ton of people who will all want the upset against Houston. I can't imagine Houston bringing a big crowd?

The pressure is on Houston. They've had #1 seeds the past 3 years and haven't made a Final 4. They did go in '21, but not sure how many of those guys are on this roster. As we all know that monkey on the back is a real thing and if it is a tight game it can be a factor mentally.

Houston is clearly the better team, but the circumstances give Purdue a chance IMO. We'll see....

I don't see Tennessee fans rooting for Purdue. Not after what we've done to them the last few years. They are still in my mentions on X talking shit.

 

[clankhan]

Auburn was by 5 points and Bama and SDSU were in OT. And more importantly, they were in November. Since the 4-3 start, Houston is 28-1. They are a juggernaut.

Can we beat them? Of course. But I'd put it at a once out of a dozen tries (yes, they are that good). Hoping like hell Friday is that one.

100% - although I would say they aren’t as good as UCONN (obviously) since they don’t have a 7’2 center and their guards not as tall.

 

[boilerzz]

100% - although I would say they aren’t as good as UCONN (obviously) since they don’t have a 7’2 center and their guards not as tall.

Oh for sure. That UConn team was unfortunately one of the 5 best teams in the last 20 years. Houston isn't at that level.

 

[BBG]

I don't see Tennessee fans rooting for Purdue. Not after what we've done to them the last few years. They are still in my mentions on X talking shit.

Yeah you are likely correct.. we've beat them in basketball and football and they in no shape or form will root for us.. but.. they likely also won't root for Houston I wouldn't imagine either.

Meaning.. they'll just sit on their hands. I could be wrong through as their fanbase is largely filled with douche canoes.

 

[Roeder]

I don't see Tennessee fans rooting for Purdue. Not after what we've done to them the last few years. They are still in my mentions on X talking shit.

Yeah, I can see that back firing. I guess if I was in their shoes I would want a rematch against an inferior Purdue team to last year AND want to avoid Houston for path to Final 4. Houston is basically a better version of what Tennessee does.

Expecting Tenessee fans to use their brains and think that through was probably a mistake on my part though, lol.

 

[clankhan]

Yeah, I can see that back firing. I guess if I was in their shoes I would want a rematch against an inferior Purdue team to last year AND want to avoid Houston for path to Final 4. Houston is basically a better version of what Tennessee does.

Expecting Tenessee fans to use their brains and think that through was probably a mistake on my part though, lol.

I hope we are the later game, with the winning team from the first Session rooting for our boilers, so they don’t have to play the #1 seed

 

[Purdue0023]

If we are playing good D, hunting steals, knocking down shots and staying out of foul trouble I like our chances. If we can play like we play in Mackey we are hard to beat!

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

Very true - just concerned they’re going to try to get him in foul trouble.

He’s been in foul trouble one time all year.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

I agree. On Paper Houston is the obvious pick. They are the better team. Period.

With that being said Purdue is due for one of those games where they are hot from 3. Braden is due for a big game and coming off a bad one he is usually lights out. Defense and rebounding is much better and bench/role guys are playing as good as they have all year.

It will be a Pro-Purdue crowd. Not only Purdue fans Indy, but Tennessee and Kentucky (if they win today) will bring a ton of people who will all want the upset against Houston. I can't imagine Houston bringing a big crowd?

The pressure is on Houston. They've had #1 seeds the past 3 years and haven't made a Final 4. They did go in '21, but not sure how many of those guys are on this roster. As we all know that monkey on the back is a real thing and if it is a tight game it can be a factor mentally.

Houston is clearly the better team, but the circumstances give Purdue a chance IMO. We'll see....

Well said.

Roberts was on that team with 2 min in the F4 game to Baylor (NC winner). And funny enough, cryer was on the other side at Baylor and played 2 min as well.

Roberts is in his sixth year at Houston this year 😂 and this will be Cryer’s 5th year (Covid senior).

 

[FLAG HUNTER]

If only we could bring Jones or Zach back for another year (or while we’re pretending … Ivey). The main question is figuring out who Braden is going to guard, as their starting guards 6’1, 6’3 and 6’4 (with the 6’4 guy being the “smallest” and their main ball distributor)

Noticed McNeese made Purdue guards switch on defense, which left Braden guarding bigger guard with ball, then he attacked the basket.

 

[Chi-Boiler]

While we obviously haven't played Houston, I feel like what they throw at Smith won't be too much different than what Auburn and Marquette did.

Off topic, but why is this coming round being played at Lucas Oil and not Gainbridge? Thought they only played the Final 4 in the big stadiums.

Final 4 is there next year. Kind of a prep.

 

[krazychicagod]

This will be extremely hard to win.. like 10% chance. That is OK, we got where most didnt think we would a few weeks ago. Just play hard

 

[TwinDegrees2]

Purdue has a puncher’s chance.

Problem is— for all his sliminess— Sampson is far and away the best coach we’ve faced in awhile,

I fear he’ll know exactly how to neutralize what Purdue does best, and he has the talent to play that way indefinitely.

I can't stand Samscum. But now that you can legally cheat, he's in hog heaven. I hope he never wins another game ever. Purdue by 1 on a last second shot.