Purdue @ Minnesota: Big-10 Wednesday Preview

The Purdue Boilermakers suddenly find themselves ranked #3 in the country. They have slowly crept back up the top-25 after 3 consecutive losses midway through the season. A relatively difficult non-conference schedule gives this team the credibility that they may not have received due to the lack of strength in the Big-10 conference this season. Regardless of their record, the Minnesota Gophers have a gritty squad, and are capable of beating anyone on their home floor. Purdue better not be looking ahead to their match-up with Michigan St on Saturday or they may find themselves in a battle with this under-rated Gopher team.

Minnesota lacks experience in their starting line-up which shows every time they play on the road. On paper these two squads are very similar on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. Each averages 74 points per game, and allow between 61 and 64 points to their opposition. The difference is their away record where the Boilermakers have a solid 6-2 record compared to Minny’s 2-6 mark. The Gophers have several big wins this season against teams headed to the tournament. They beat Butler in their forth game of the season rather handily, and have taken down Ohio St and Wisconsin in conference play.

While they are clearly on the outside looking in terms of the NCAA tournament, they have a wealth of young talent that has the potential to be a top-25 team over the next few years. Of their 5 starters, only Lawrence Westbrook and Damian Johnson are seniors. They are 2 of the top 3 scoring leaders on the team, but Minnesota’s roster is deep which doesn’t allow for many of their young stars to get quality minutes. Al Nolan, Paul Carter and Colton Iverson have all shown tremendous potential in their limited minutes, and will benefit next year from watching the starters. Ralph Sampson III is having a good season as he is averaging 8.5 points, over 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game. He has shown signs of improvement all year long, and should increase his productivity next season.

The Boilermakers started this season on a tear. They won their first 14 games including non-conference wins over W. Virginia and Wake Forest. A hard fought loss to Wisconsin on the road sent this team into a tailspin that saw them lose 3 straight. Their final loss of the 3 was the hardest to swallow as they were beat by a mediocre Northwestern team by 8. This must have been the wake up call that they needed as they have rebounded to win their 9. Purdue got their revenge on both Ohio St and Wisconsin, and threw in a victory against Michigan St for good measure.

E’Twaun Moore, Robbie Hummel and JaJuan Johnson are as good of a trio as you can find in all of college basketball. They are a three-headed monster that is nearly unstoppable. Combined, they average 47 points, 18 rebounds and 6 assists per game. If the Boilermakers remain at full strength they have a very good chance at making a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Their main weakness is a lack of depth. There is over an 8 point drop off between their 3rd and 4th leading scorers. This makes it easier for the opposition as they will double team the “big 3” and allow the other starters to beat them.

This has the potential to be a compelling match-up due to the situation. Purdue is definitely in a “comfort zone” right now in regards to their situation and ranking. Minnesota still feels like they have something to prove. If the Boilermakers aren’t ready, Minnesota just might!

Related posts:

1. Big Ten Match-Up: Wisconsin Badgers @ Purdue Boilermakers
2. Illinois and Ohio St meet in Big Ten Semi-Finals
3. NFC Championship Preview: New Orleans Saints v. Minnesota Vikings
4. Volunteers Take on Red-Hot Buckeyes in Sweet-16
5. A.L. Central Title is on the Line as Chicago Battles Minnesota

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