Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentleman. It's the second game of the Hall-of-Fame Tip Off Classic from Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut. The 6th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers take on the 18th-ranked North Carolina Tarheels. Both teams come in at 3-0, and the winner will take on Villanova, who beat Tennessee earlier, 71-53. Tip coming up at 4:00 pm (Eastern time) with television coverage on ESPNNews (ESPNN).
This will certainly be the biggest test to date for both teams in the early stages of this season. Purdue has had its way inside with Bellarmine, Indiana State, and Wright State, but now - it's a much bigger obstacle to deal with UNC inside. Also, can the Boiler defense handle the backcourt and wings from the Tarheels. These are the games/Opponents where players like Jaden Ivey can really shine and make a difference. The Boilers have shot the ball well in the early games, but they've also had some turnovers. If they can continue to find the good shots and knock down a good percentage and limit the turnovers, they'll be tough for North Carolina to handle. Purdue's defense will need to be more active and limit the second chance opportunities, especially.
I expect this to be a really good battle and come down to the last few minutes. North Carolina has a commanding lead in the overall series, although the two schools haven't played in over 20 years - Purdue's last win over North Carolina was in 1974. Can they end the drought today?
We shall see.
Boiler Up, my friends.
This will certainly be the biggest test to date for both teams in the early stages of this season. Purdue has had its way inside with Bellarmine, Indiana State, and Wright State, but now - it's a much bigger obstacle to deal with UNC inside. Also, can the Boiler defense handle the backcourt and wings from the Tarheels. These are the games/Opponents where players like Jaden Ivey can really shine and make a difference. The Boilers have shot the ball well in the early games, but they've also had some turnovers. If they can continue to find the good shots and knock down a good percentage and limit the turnovers, they'll be tough for North Carolina to handle. Purdue's defense will need to be more active and limit the second chance opportunities, especially.
I expect this to be a really good battle and come down to the last few minutes. North Carolina has a commanding lead in the overall series, although the two schools haven't played in over 20 years - Purdue's last win over North Carolina was in 1974. Can they end the drought today?
We shall see.
Boiler Up, my friends.
