Purdue vs. Michigan overview:

[nagemj02]

When: Today

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Tip-Off: 1 PM

TV: CBS


Head Coaches:

Purdue: Matt Painter (11th season as Purdue HC)

Michigan: John Beilein (9th season as Michigan HC)



Projected Starters:

Purdue:

1 #3 P.J. Thompson 5'9 180 So.: averaging 5.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 44% FG's (52-117), 82% FT's (49-60), 43% 3PT's (32-75), and 22.4 MPG in 32 GP

2 #35 Rapheal Davis 6'5 215 Sr.: averaging 8.6 PPG, 4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 39% FG's (78-202), 73% FT's (53-73), 37% 3PT's (31-84), and 29.2 MPG in 28 GP

3 #12 Vince Edwards 6'8 220 So.: averaging 10.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.1 APG, 45% FG's (121-268), 82% FT's (58-71), 42% 3PT's (41-98), and 26.7 MPG in 32 GP

4 #50 Caleb "Biggie" Swanigan 6'9 245 Fr.: averaging 10.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.6 TPG, 46% FG's (120-260), 71% FT's (63-89), 30% 3PT's (21-69), and 25.6 MPG in 31 GP

5 #20 A.J. Hammons 7'0 250 Sr.: averaging 14.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.5 BPG, 2 TPG, 60% FG's (179-299), 70% FT's (76-108), 60% 3PT's (6-10), and 23.7 MPG in 30 GP


Michigan:

1 #10 Derrick Walton 6'0 190 Jr.: averaging 11.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 4.4 APG, 2 TPG, 38% FG's (103-272), 82% FT's (85-104), 39% 3PT's (57-145), and 33.5 MPG in 30 GP

2 #12 Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman 6'4 180 So.: averaging 8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 46% FG's (99-214), 68% FT's (39-57), 36% 3PT's (28-78), and 27 MPG in 33 GP

3/2 #21 Zak Irvin 6'5 215 Jr.: averaging 11.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 42% FG's (142-342), 65% FT's (48-74), 31% 3PT's (44-140), and 32.8 MPG in 32 GP

3 #22 Duncan Robinson 6'7 210 So. (RS) (transfer from DIII Williams College): averaging 11.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 46% FG's (125-270), 91% FT's (38-42), 45% 3PT's (89-196), and 28.3 MPG in 33 GP

4/5 #34 Mark Donnal 6'8 220 So. (RS): averaging 8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 58% FG's (96-165), 72% FT's (46-64), 30% 3PT's (9-30), and 19.4 MPG in 31 GP



Projected Regular Reserves:

Purdue:

1 #1 Johnny Hill 6'2 180 Sr. (RS) (graduate transfer from Texas-Arlington; previously at Illinois State): averaging 5.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1 SPG, 2.4 APG, 54% FG's (54-101), 83% FT's (57-69), 13% 3PT's (1-8), and 17.8 MPG in 32 GP

2/1 #31 Dakota Mathias 6'4 190 So.: averaging 5.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 42% FG's (59-141), 89% FT's (16-18), 39% 3PT's (36-100), and 18.6 MPG in 32 GP

2 #14 Ryan Cline 6'5 180 Fr.: averaging 4.1 PPG, 37% FG's (42-115), 55% FT's (6-11), 39% 3PT's (41-104), and 13.7 MPG in 32 GP

5 #44 Isaac Haas 7'2 280 So.: averaging 10 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 60% FG's (118-198), 71% FT's (84-118), no 3PT's attempted, and 14.7 MPG in 31 GP


Michigan:

1/2 #11 Andrew Dakich 6'2 180 Jr.: averaging 0.7 PPG, 46% FG's (5-11), 100% FT's (3-3), 20% 3PT's (1-5), and 5 MPG in 20 GP

2/3 #24 Aubrey Dawkins 6'6 200 So.: averaging 6.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 51% FG's (82-162), 72% FT's (21-29), 45% 3PT's (43-95), and 16.3 MPG in 33 GP

3/4 #3 Kameron Chatman 6'7 215 So.: averaging 2.8 PPG, 42% FG's (28-66), 77% FT's (10-13), 29% 3PT's (8-28), and 7.1 MPG in 26 GP

4 #13 Moritz Wagner 6'10 210 Fr.: averaging 2.7 PPG, 56% FG's (31-55), 56% FT's (9-16), 17% 3PT's (2-12), and 8.1 MPG in 27 GP

5 #32 Ricky Doyle 6'9 240 So.: averaging 4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 64% FG's (51-80) 65% FT's (31-48), no 3PT's attempted, and 12.7 MPG in 33 GP


Who Might Play:

Purdue:

2/3 #21 Kendall Stephens 6'7 195 Jr.: averaging 6.1 PPG, 34% FG's (48-140), 60% FT's (12-20), 32% 3PT's (38-120), and 14.2 MPG in 24 GP

4/5 #23 Jacquil Taylor 6'10 225 Fr. (RS): averaging 2.2 PPG, 50% FG's (9-18), 44% FT's (4-9), 50% 3PT's (2-5), and 5.4 MPG in 11 GP


Michigan:

4/5 #5 D.J. Wilson 6'9 225 Fr. (RS): averaging 3 PPG, 49% FG's (27-55), 73% FT's (8-11), 35% 3PT's (8-23), and 6.7 MPG in 23 GP

 

[nagemj02]

As far as the projected starters go, Biggie and A.J. have the likely advantage scoring inside and rebounding but Duncan Robinson and Mark Donnal can make mid-range and perimeter shots to make it tough for Swanigan and Hammons to guard them. What are some other ways those perimeter-oriented frontcourt players can be guarded besides using CMP's basic man-to-man principles?

 

[nagemj02]

Are there any thoughts from Boiler Nation in regards to today's game? Tip-off is less than two hours away. Let's go!

 

[Boilerbrewer]

My primary concern is having somebody like Irvin or Walton just completely go off. Michigan has managed to win two games thus far with Walton scoring no points from the field. I think Purdue is the better team, but Michigan probably has better pure athletes. If this turns in to a frantic up and down game, I think Michigan has the advantage. We have to force them to play 20+ seconds of hard defense each possession to slowly wear them down.

You could see Illinois run out of gas before the second half, and even after the halftime break, they came out with tired legs. We need to step on the gas early and force Michigan to play from behind.

 

[Dakota Girl]

What are some other ways those perimeter-oriented frontcourt players can be guarded besides using CMP's basic man-to-man principles?

None. You play the way you practiced and played all season. To change now would be disastrous. You know your scouting reports and take away the strengths of the individual players from within the help side man to man defensive principles you know so well.

 

[PU52Chevy]

If we play like we did the last few games then we should be fine.....

Same formula...AJH, Biggie and Haas underneath...Edwards and Davis drive to the basket and Matias, Cline and PJ shoot the 3.

Rebound, hit free throws and win 50/50 balls and we win.....we have too much depth.

I say closer game than yesterday with sloppy play on both ends for both teams....but we win.

Purdue 75 Michigan 67

Oh and Maryland upsets Michigan State.....

Boiler Up!

 

[proudopete]

None. You play the way you practiced and played all season. To change now would be disastrous. You know your scouting reports and take away the strengths of the individual players from within the help side man to man defensive principles you know so well.

This. We are what we are and when it's working, teams will find it hard to beat us.

 

[lbodel]

My primary concern is having somebody like Irvin or Walton just completely go off. Michigan has managed to win two games thus far with Walton scoring no points from the field. I think Purdue is the better team, but Michigan probably has better pure athletes. If this turns in to a frantic up and down game, I think Michigan has the advantage. We have to force them to play 20+ seconds of hard defense each possession to slowly wear them down.

You could see Illinois run out of gas before the second half, and even after the halftime break, they came out with tired legs. We need to step on the gas early and force Michigan to play from behind.

Agreed. Purdue's perimeter defense is not bad, but it's not amazing either. They have guys capable of going off.

Michigan dominated us inside and out rebounded us last game in Ann Arbor. That's gotta change.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Agreed. Purdue's perimeter defense is not bad, but it's not amazing either. They have guys capable of going off.

Michigan dominated us inside and out rebounded us last game in Ann Arbor. That's gotta change.

Think that's the one time all season being out-rebounded.......yeah, it's the usual keys.....handle the boards and limit the TO's while taking smart shots.

Walton had a BTT record 12 assists yesterday against Indiana......gonna need to contain him and keep Irvin from going off. I like the Boilers chances, but this won't be like yesterday, and Michigan is quite capable of winning this game.

 

[Chauncey1986]

One of the analysts on tv said Michigan will win. I think he is wrong.

 

[Chauncey1986]

If we play like we did the last few games then we should be fine.....

Same formula...AJH, Biggie and Haas underneath...Edwards and Davis drive to the basket and Matias, Cline and PJ shoot the 3.

Rebound, hit free throws and win 50/50 balls and we win.....we have too much depth.

I say closer game than yesterday with sloppy play on both ends for both teams....but we win.

Purdue 75 Michigan 67

Oh and Maryland upsets Michigan State.....

Boiler Up!

Nice truck! I used to have a 50 Chevy but I sold it to a guy in Mays, IN.

 

[BoilerGal74]

Vegas has the Over/Under 61/2-10. For Purdue...

 

[nagemj02]

None. You play the way you practiced and played all season. To change now would be disastrous. You know your scouting reports and take away the strengths of the individual players from within the help side man to man defensive principles you know so well.

How do you know that they haven't practiced other defensive schemes this season?

I agree that the man-to-man is working well right now, but myself and others have been watching Purdue basketball for far too long (Coach Keady and Painter eras, which spans 36 years) to believe that only one defensive style works. Many, many teams have scored on Purdue's man-to-man D quite well in NCAA Tournament games from 1983 through this past season. It's ignorant to believe that they shouldn't apply other schemes. History has shown that they have been burnt and losses can be attributed to the coaches' stubbornness and refusal to use only one basic defensive scheme. When it's not working, they should adapt and coach a different approach on D. It's insanity that this hasn't happened in 36 years at a major college basketball program.

 

[Dakota Girl]

How do you know that they haven't practiced other defensive schemes this season?

I agree that the man-to-man is working well right now, but myself and others have been watching Purdue basketball for far too long (Coach Keady and Painter eras, which spans 36 years) to believe that only one defensive style works. Many, many teams have scored on Purdue's man-to-man D quite well in NCAA Tournament games from 1983 through this past season. It's ignorant to believe that they shouldn't apply other schemes. History has shown that they have been burnt and losses can be attributed to the coaches' stubbornness and refusal to use only one basic defensive scheme. When it's not working, they should adapt and coach a different approach on D. It's insanity that this hasn't happened in 36 years at a major college basketball program.

i also have been watching throughout the Keady and Painter eras.
I cannot say that they have not practiced it with any more certainty than you can say that they have. What I can say is that they rarely have used anything else and when they have it has not gone well. Through deductive reasoning I would venture that they have not practiced it very much. Certainly not this season. I am not saying that it can't be done. I am saying that you don't do it now, in a one loss and you are out format without having played it in games, a lot, to know if you are good at it or not.
The fact that they have not zoned in 36 years is not insane. They have had two coaches in 36 years who both prefer man to man. That makes situation quite rational. I would also argue that teams also score against teams who zone. If they didn't, everyone would play zone. The question for a coach is do you teach and use of multiple defensive styles or concentrate on just one. Neither choice is wrong or insane. Its just a choice. You did ask the question. I simply answered it. Sorry my answer did not support your agenda.

 

[*4purdue*]

Izzo just said "we have to figure out a way to stop Stephens, he had 25 against us". Don't think that's going to be a problem tomorrow coach, but you set up your strategy for that tonight.

 

[PU52Chevy]

Our team game wins it for us today...if we play the way we have been we win.......

Same formula...hit key shots, defend, rebound both ends, get MSU in foul trouble and hit our free throws.

I say Purdue gets the win in a game that will be very physical....key will be to get Davis and Costello to the bench in foul trouble and also get Valentine and Forbes to not get open looks.

Purdue 76 MSU 72......

Boiler Up!

 

[Chauncey1986]

Wife told me that MS will not be celebrating. Whatever she says goes.

 

[lbodel]

Our team game wins it for us today...if we play the way we have been we win.......

Same formula...hit key shots, defend, rebound both ends, get MSU in foul trouble and hit our free throws.

I say Purdue gets the win in a game that will be very physical....key will be to get Davis and Costello to the bench in foul trouble and also get Valentine and Forbes to not get open looks.

Purdue 76 MSU 72......

Boiler Up!

Forgetting turnovers. Turnovers and rebounding will be what wins/loses games for us.

We've had 13+ turnovers in all but 2 of our losses (and in most cases 15+). And in the 2 games we didn't have that many turnovers, we were out rebounded in one (Michigan) and were tied in rebounds with another (Maryland).

If we keep turnovers down and outbound our opponents by a healthy margin, we will be very hard to beat.

 

[BoilerNGold013]

Just looked at the stats today. msu is 1st in assists/game Purdue is second. msu is 1st in rebounding Purdue is second. Purdue is a slightly better foul shooting team but not by much. This is gonna be a tough game boys. The team is gonna have to play its best two halves of the year to get this one done.