Still an outside shot

[proudopete]

With Michigan losing we are two games out of first. A five way tie is still possible at 15-5

Michigan’s still plays Maryland, Illinois and MSU again.
MSU still plays Wisconsin, Maryland and Michigan again.
Wisconsin plays Oregon and MSU

So we need Wisconsin to lose to MSU, Michigan to lose to Maryland and Illinois and MSU to lose to Maryland and Michigan.

That’s a lot so specific things that need to happen but there is a chance if we win out to share the title.

 

[Gman544]

I don’t know about all that, but I know if Purdue could play defense like MSU did tonight, they might have a shot at winning out.

 

[qazplm]

I think the immediate goal is top four seed for the tournament. We don't want to play extra games right before the NCAA tournament. We definitely need as much rest as possible.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

I don’t know about all that, but I know if Purdue could play defense like MSU did tonight, they might have a shot at winning out.

MSU has made excellent second half adjustments vs Illinois, Purdue and now Michigan. I’m not sure what they’re doing differently, but in those last 3 games, they have been great on the defensive side in the second half.

 

[DrEss]

MSU has made excellent second half adjustments vs Illinois, Purdue and now Michigan. I’m not sure what they’re doing differently, but in those last 3 games, they have been great on the defensive side in the second half.

In his post game interview, Izzo was somewhat pleased by only being down 4 at the half. He thought they didn’t do anything right in that half. Mainly, he stated, MSU reduced their 9 first half TO’s to 2.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

MSU has made excellent second half adjustments vs Illinois, Purdue and now Michigan. I’m not sure what they’re doing differently, but in those last 3 games, they have been great on the defensive side in the second half.

They are really solid defensively and on the glass - have to also keep them out of transition.

Next two games will be really interesting - @ Maryland and hosting Wisconsin. It should be particularly noteworthy in how well they defend the Badgers. Just a hunch - that game could get a little physical.

 

[Spartandawg1]

MSU has made excellent second half adjustments vs Illinois, Purdue and now Michigan. I’m not sure what they’re doing differently, but in those last 3 games, they have been great on the defensive side in the second half.

Sparty chiming in here. I think one thing that is helping down the stretch in games is that our guys are always fresh. There is only one guy that plays more than 25 minutes a game. Over the course of the season our guys have played a lot less minutes than Braden, Trey and Loyer. Additionally, inserting Jase Richardson into the starting lineup, which happened out of necessity when Fears was sick with flu, has really sparked this team.

I absolutely agree, Purdue is still in this race with the schedules left. It doesn’t get any easier for Sparty and UM could also lose a few more. But more importantly, it seems like the pieces are there for another deep Purdue run in the tourney . Boiler basketball is fun to watch. Seems like Purdue is always sound defensively (though I’ve read some posts that on here this year where fans may not agree as much this year lol), make hustle plays, good at FT shooting etc. Just hard to beat and won’t beat themselves. Talented roster as well although a little more top heavy/dependent than Sparty but there is more than one way to build a team. Painter is simply one of the best in the B10 and the country. There is a reason why you’ve had Sparty’s number of late so it was nice to get one this year. Hopefully Sparty can get back to deep tourney runs.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

I think the immediate goal is top four seed for the tournament. We don't want to play extra games right before the NCAA tournament. We definitely need as much rest as possible.

CMP wasn’t exactly outraged when we bowed out early in the B1G last year. Think he agrees.

 

[PaBoiler78]

I think the immediate goal is top four seed for the tournament. We don't want to play extra games right before the NCAA tournament. We definitely need as much rest as possible.

totally agree w/ this

 

[Boiler Buck]

Oregon beat Wisky in OT....gives them 5 losses

 

[proudopete]

Oregon beat W in OT....gives them 5 losses

It’s happening

 

[DrEss]

Thankfully, O made enough of their FTs at the end. Purdue needs to play 40 minutes and beat IU tomorrow.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

Thankfully, O made enough of their FTs at the end. Purdue needs to play 40 minutes and beat IU tomorrow.

Yes but IU is on a lot of bubbles and their season is shot so they are going to come out fighting.

If there is anything to see from our 3 game skid is mentally being soft. Constantly complaining about missed calls and not being physical.

Regardless of how we play in the first half, we have to come out on fire in the second which is something we haven’t done lately. Smith should be focused on scoring and worry about the assists second.

 

[DrEss]

Yes but IU is on a lot of bubbles and their season is shot so they are going to come out fighting.

If there is anything to see from our 3 game skid is mentally being soft. Constantly complaining about missed calls and not being physical.

Regardless of how we play in the first half, we have to come out on fire in the second which is something we haven’t done lately. Smith should be focused on scoring and worry about the assists second.

Yep, playing 40 minutes is the key. Purdue has lead at the half in all of the three recent losses. Hopefully, we do not run out of gas in the 2nd half tomorrow.

 

[northside100]

Yes but IU is on a lot of bubbles and their season is shot so they are going to come out fighting.

If there is anything to see from our 3 game skid is mentally being soft. Constantly complaining about missed calls and not being physical.

Regardless of how we play in the first half, we have to come out on fire in the second which is something we haven’t done lately. Smith should be focused on scoring and worry about the assists second.

Love this post. I enjoy looking at scenarios as a fan but this team just needs to come out and take it to IU.