End O' Season Handsome Hour

The Handsome Duo is back...and they're kicking ass and taking names...

And talking about Elizabeth Hurley, of course.

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The Morning After

It doesn't feel any less lousy this morning. The Boilermakers still lost a game that they led nearly wire-to-wire. They lost a game where they shot a better percentage -- albeit with a serious dropoff in the second half -- than a presumably much better team. They lost a game where, perhaps most frustratingly for me, they didn't force Kansas to make a play, to win it. Kansas simply took Purdue's turnovers and long rebounds and won the game with breakaways. Sure, they count just as much and the Jayhawks won and move on, but it doesn't feel like it was supposed to end like this.

We all knew there was a good chance that this would be the seniors' final game. But after 38 minutes of basketball, it just felt like it couldn't end now. When you lead a game the entire time and -- to their credit -- find ways to edge the lead back up each time the powerhouse Jayhawks cut into it. In fact, the lead did get to double digits in the second half. And in most years, with a Matt Painter coached team, if I said you had a double digit lead anytime in the second half against pretty much anybody, I think you'd take it.

So many odd things happen in the tournament. Rob goes for 22 in the first half but just 4 in the second. However, that can be credited to Kansas, who while they were outcoached by the Purdue staff, clearly is good enough to go into the locker room and say, "Let's guard Hummel and not let him beat us... let's make someone else beat us." It was a smart approach and it worked.

In other games recently, it might have been Terone Johnson who beat them, and Zero showed with 10 points in the second half, but his teardrop was just not splashing like it has of late. In other games, it might have been the little man, Lewis Jackson, who has gone for 18 (vs St. Mary's), 17 (vs IU), 20 (vs Minn) this season, for example. But Lew's patented high-speed, running layup was just refusing to fall, slowly rolling off the rim at least three separate times. Lew shot 2/11 for the game. How often does that happen? (Not often.)

It could have been Ryne, another favorite of BS. But Ryno was only 1/2 from the floor last night, hitting his only real shot and just missing the last-second prayer that, quite frankly, as about as good a look as Purdue could expect in the situation they were in. Who could have expected that Ryne would have just three points in two tourney games? It's unusual and not something you could have predicted.

Purdue had trouble on the glass all year. Yet here, against two of the better big men in the nation, the Boilers were only outrebounded 35-32 -- damn near a wash. And when you look at the starting five's rebounds for the Boilermakers you see this column of numbers: 9-6-3-8-4. Guys were gutting it out and doing everything they could.

Sandi Marcius, for all the abuse he's taken from Purdue fans, played hard and did what he was asked. Sandi had 11 DNPs in the Boilers' final 21 games. Yet when he was asked to be a body, use his fouls and grab rebounds, Sandi didn't sulk, pout or give a lackadaisical effort. He gave an effort to be proud of, because that's what Boilermakers do.

The effort was recognized on the other side, too, as Bill Self clearly had loads of respect for the Boilers. Interestingly to me also was the way Self's players quite obviously respected Purdue's effort and Rob Hummel in particular. Those guys didn't seem like a great group of dudes but in the handshake line, Jayhawk after Jayhawk stopped Rob to do more than give the typical "good game." He scared them and almost beat them single-handedly and those guys wanted to let him know they respected it. 

I saw some raw emotions after the game last night on the instantaneous medium that is Twitter. I stopped looking after a few trolling IU losers did their usual sad-life, antagonism routine, but before I did -- immediately after the game -- I saw some harsh criticisms directed at a couple guys in particular that I'd like to address here.

Lewis Jackson -- For anyone who wants to batter Lew for those final two possesstions, especially the second to last one where he ended it with a turnover, I guess you're entitled. But the isolation play was called for Lew, a senior who has been as much a part of Purdue's successes over the past four years as anyone. Lew, a senior who has repeatedly shown an ability to use his quickness to get a layup even when, as Steve Kerr put it during the broadcast, the other team knows it's coming.

Purdue had been shooting cold in the second half and the Jayhawks defense had, as mentioned, bottled up Rob. So why not keep it in the hands of your senior leader? No, Lewis didn't come through in that particular moment. But do not let that cloud your memories of all the times Lew has come through and all the games Purdue won in large part due to his contribution.

He's one of ours and he sold out and risked his future back health for the old gold and black. Do not forget that.

Matt Painter -- I don't quite understand this, but there are those out there who seem to think Painter isn't a good coach. Maybe it's the drama we saw last year and the resulting bigger contract dollars. Regardless, if you think Matt Painter "cost" Purdue that game, then I don't think you know a whole lot about basketball. Throughout this game, I kept thinking that if Purdue was indeed able to pull this win off, that I'd be writing about this game as Matt Painter's best performance as Purdue head coach. And you know what? I still kind of think it is.

Matt even got the Jayhawks to change their game. Withey, the 7-foot center, played well below his averages in minutes, points and rebounds, largely because Coach Self and company decided to go with a smaller, guard-heavy lineup at times -- something that we as Purdue fans were fine with.

Coach Matty took the parts that he had at his disposal -- parts that did not match up in any way to the bigger, skilled Jayhawks -- and found a way to make it work. He found a way to get this team to rebound with Kansas. He found a way to get contributions from guys who -- as mentioned -- were no-shows or one-minute players for the past couple of months. If that's not good coaching, I don't know what is.

Boilers Use Johnson Penetration To Overpower Gaels, 72-69

The Boilers did a nice job of recreating their season in handy, capsule form tonight. Starting out well, the Boilers methodically built themselves a lead as the Gaels of St. Mary's refused to believe they should try something other than three-pointers.

Eventually, Purdue fans began to feel a bit comfortable as the game was taking on a look of some of those Purdue games down the stretch, where an opponent would begin to creep back in but then the Boilers would stretch it back out again. And they did do that throughout the second half, until about three minutes remained and the good guys were up 66-55. Then the Gaels churned out a 14-2 run to take their first lead of the game with less than a minute remaining, 69-68. It was happening again.

I think it's safe to say nearly all of us thought about Xavier and Butler and the fact that just minutes earlier, we were smiling inside thinking about Rob, Lew and Ryne advancing in their final NCAA tourney. Now it was suddenly, cruelly, about to be ripped away from them. But at least Terone Johnson had the ball... Terone was a man again tonight, pouring in 21 points and dishing five assists (if this was IU, Jeff Rabjohns would be hyperventilating -- but it's not IU and Terone isn't white, like Jordan Hulls). But then Terone turned the ball over. St. Mary's had the ball and the lead and just over a half minute to go -- it was over for Purdue and that sinking feeling was upon us.

If you're anything like me, it almost wasn't hitting you full force yet -- mainly because the blowing of this lead happened so damn fast. Literally in a span of a few minutes, the Boilers went from up double-digits to losing. Alas it was the only three minutes the Gaels would be able to put together, as they then traveled on the baseline attempting to inbounds it and it came back to the Boilers. And, again if you're like me, you suddenly felt a lot of hope. I didn't think Terone would make another mistake and I knew Purdue had seniors on the floor who weren't ready to go home.

Sure enough, Lewis Jackson took the ball towards the basket and was fouled. He then made two to complete is excellent 18 point night, including 6/8 from the line. Strangely, Lew was credited with zero assists -- the only time this season that has happened and only the third time in all of Lewis Jackson's college games ever. Very strange, but assist crediting can be very subjective.

Anyhow, Lewis made both his free throws to give the Boilers the lead, which the Gaels responded to -- down one, remember -- with a long range three that missed everything terribly and went out of bounds. In fact, it may have injured a cheerleader it was so off-target. As I said, the Gaels were stubborn about that. (Their coach said at halftime that he figured they wouldn't shoot as poorly in the second half as their 1-15 three-point shooting performance in the first. Well, he was right: they went 3-10 in the second.) The Boilers inbounded to Mr. Rob Hummel, who was promptly fouled and I -- like many others, I am sure -- absolutely loved that it was Rob who was striding to the line to take the critical free throws. He nailed them both, as the Boilers shot 83% from the line for the night. Rob was quiet with only ten points overall, but he had those two very clutch free throws as well as a long range bomb of a three in the first half that would have made Boilerdowd proud back in his co-rec days.

The Boilermakers bench was as short as you might expect tonight, with only eight guys getting minutes, with one of those being Travis Carroll, who played just four. Sandi Marcius logged 16 minutes and must have thought Coach Painter forgot he was out there, as Sandi hasn't played that many minutes since November 23, in an 80-37 blowout of Western Michigan. That game versus WMU was also the last time Sandi exceeded his five points tonight. Finally, Sandi went 3/3 from the line, his best performance there to date. That's a good sign of what Sandi should be capable of. Maybe all those who have written off the sophomore as "useless" already were premature. We shall see.

Anthony Johnson also used his penetrating abilities to further excite Steve Kerr, who couldn't stop talking about "Purdue's Johnsons penetrating." It was almost like Steve had a bet with someone or knew a drinking game was being played. Anyhow, AJ had another solid game, with ten points in 20 minutes and made both his free throws.

The Boilers shot 46% overall and 31% from three. Not great, but not atrocious. They were outrebounded by 11, 36-25, which is going to be a serious problem against anyone with size in the second round. Like Kansas, if they're able to advance.

This was a good start to the tourney for Purdue, as on the day several very high seeds went down, the Boilers kept the nation's best first-round first-game winning streak alive at 14 straight now.

Does the train make a stop in St. Louis? We find out Sunday. Until then, enjoy.

All-B1G Awards Handed Out...and Gumbo

Tonight, a loud chorus of whining could be heard from Bloomington all the way North into Park Ridge, Illinois as the All-B1G teams were announced...and Hummel, Jackson and Byrd all received some booty...sweet, sweet booty.

Coaches:
Hummel (Sr)
Green (Sr)
Shurna (Sr)
Taylor (Sr)
Sullinger (So)

Media:
Hummel
Green
Shurna
Sullinger
Frazier (Jr)

Awards??

In spite of being back, no IU players were named to either team and their coach wasn't named as the conference's best, Izzo was. But, Zeller (deservedly) received the Frosh of the year award from the coaches. Burke received the same award from the media. Craft was defensive player of the year, and Green was the conference's POY.

Hummel became only the 12th player in the history of the conference to be first team B1G three times.  He also was a Sportsmanship Honoree. His stats tell the story:

-4th in scoring in the league
-4th in rebounding
-4th in FT%
-4th in defensive rebounds
-6th in 3pt made
-6th in blocked shots
(all while not in the top-10 in minutes)


Along with Hummel, Byrd received some props- he was named the 6th man of the year...and LewJack was named to the Honorable Mention team.

Congrats
We didn't give them props, but the Boiler women won the B1G tourney and became B1G Champs.  Good for them.  Around BS, we're not women's basketball fans...but as we always say, if Purdue is doing something, we want it to be done well...The Lady Boilers did just that last weekend. Congrats to Coach Versyp, Brittany Rayburn and co.

They're Rich, B*tch!
While it might be considered a bit of a slap in the face to handsome Drew Brees, it's a lucrative one.  Brees, Avril and Spencer were all given with the franchise tag...which made them all wealthier in one season than J and I combined for our life's earnings (and J is a big deal, for those of you outside of NYC).

Old Ways Creep Back in; Boilers Lose 85-74

It's kinda simple- if you play 20 minutes of basketball in a 40 minute game, you're going to lose more than you win.  We saw that early in the season, and witnessed it again in Ass. Hall this evening.

Purdue spotted IU and 18 point lead...played awful defense, didn't sell out for loose balls and rebounded like dog excrement.  When the teams headed into the locker room at the break, the game was already over for all intents and purposes.

LewJack led everybody with 17/5...Hummel had 16/8...TJohn had 13/4.  Byrd shot horribly and still got to 12 points simply because he shot 14 times.

Ass. Hall is a tough place to win- IU is 18-1 there this year.  Purdue couldn't play one of their worst games in the last 7 or 8 and still expect to win...and by their body language, Matty's boys didn't.

Purdue was 41st in the RPI coming into the game; they'll probably stay around the same place.  In my opinion, it would take a catastrophe in the B1G tourney for them not to get into the dance.  Purdue will play Nebraska a little after 8:00 on Thursday in the first round of the tournament.  If they get by the 'Huskers, they'll play aOSU on Friday in the last game of the day.

Seniors (and Co.) earn 20th win of the season v. PSU

Boilermakers.

I had kind of a rough beginning to my week...and I was looking forward to Senior night tonight at Mackey.  The event is a bit of a Bar Mitzvah- and it's different than football's Senior day, at least for me as the players seem closer and more approachable.  Since I've got two young kids, I try to take them down to meet the team during the season after games...in the process of doing so over the past 4(5) years, I feel like I got to know these guys.  That, on top of post-game meetings, other personal interactions have propelled me to really feeling invested in this year's Senior class. It's kind of a bittersweet night for me...but must have been an amazing culmination for them.

My wife has had a crush on LewJack for years...so watching and listening to him talk glowingly about his teammates, coaches, Mom and girlfriend after the game made Mrs. Bdowd like the the guy even more.

Ryne Smith has been a favorite of ours around the site for years because it seemed that we were always just a step or two removed from him due to some mutual friendships with #24.  Plus, we've had some interactions with him that were unrelated to basketball that helped us get to know the guy away from the court.  He's a funny, down-to-earth guy who is like many of my friends at Purdue...but he was regularly featured on national TV making it rain; I guess that is kinda different.

And of course, Hummel has been gracious on multiple occasions with my son over the last five years after the games...and LBD isn't the only one.  Each time we were on the court after a game, 4 always seemed to have enough time for fans.  His heart-breaking injuries pushed me to pray that Rob would have an ending to his career on his terms...and at a high level.  And while his basketball career, and even his Purdue career aren't over, his play is making it increasingly-obvious that he has a ton of great basketball ahead of him.

Let's talk a bit about that-

In the last six games, Hummel has averaged nearly 24 points and 10 rebounds.  Tonight, he had 26 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. He absolutely was killing PSU before ever touching the ball on many possessions by carving out space and asking for the ball.  On the defense, he played aggressive, hard-nosed basketball while playing the four or five all night.

LewJack struggled on defense v. Frazier early and didn't take many shots in the first half.  But in the second half, his defense got stiffer and his offensive pace was unmatched by PSU's defense.  He went 6-6 while scoring 12 points, and added five assists and 3 rebounds.

Smith started off slowly.  He looked like he was feeling it in the early minutes as he bombed away from three...but his shots weren't falling. In the second half, he got hot as he hit three-straight threes and added 3 assists.

The Seniors weren't the only ones who played well.

TJohn and DJ Byrd both scored in bunches.  Agent Zero (should we starting using that?) gashed the defense and finished with his tear drop...and hit 4-6 from the line.  He finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.  Byrd had 14 and 6...8 of them coming in a 10 minute span in the first half.

Along with Johnson and Byrd, the team shot its free throws well (81%) and in the second half completely put the clamps down on the Lions on defense.

This game was astoundingly-different from the contest in Happy Valley back in early January. The only similarity is that Purdue started both games shooting poorly.  But in this one, the ship was righted before the half...and in the second half, our Boilers stepped on PSU's collective throat by making the extra pass, not accepting the open three and playing as a unit, not a just a bunch of college-aged dudes dressed alike.

While the defense got weaker and more apathetic @PSU, the intensity and effectiveness surged with each minute that passed in the second half.  And like in most games in which this team plays solid defense, the fruits of their effort showed in the final score- Good Guys 80, Pennsylvania State University 56.

Beating one of the worst teams in the conference is what Purdue is supposed to do.  And just like in the Nebraska game, Purdue simply took care of business and left little doubt who was the better team...something this team consistently struggled to do only 60 days ago.

Matty talked to the crowd and the Seniors after the game...and the one thing that stuck out to me was how he stated that he thinks this team is far from done with its season.  I have no problem believing it either.  Since losing Barlow, The Forces of Good are 3-1.  They have gone from a bubble team to a team that's almost-surely going dancing, and now have 20 wins over all and are three games over .500 in the toughest conference in the land.

I wanted a couple things at the beginning of this season- I wanted Hummel to be healthy and playing (check). Second, I wanted them to get into the tournament (almost-check). Finally, I wanted to see what these guys could do in the tournament if they were peeking in March.  In spite of a rocky road, Purdue's Seniors have led this team to exactly where I thought they'd be when I looked ahead to the season- Between 20-22 wins...and there's potentially a lot more basketball to be played- not a bad place to be at all.

Next up, Purdue will head to Ass Hall on Saturday to play Clappy's Crimson.  I didn't like this game when I first saw the schedule...and I still don't as the Hall is a tough place to win.  BUT, as purdue continues to put together complete games, they are showing themselves as a completely-different team from that which was beaten up by IU in the second half, just 25 days ago.

Senior Images and videos

Some good stuff in here...always interesting to see this stuff months later.
As Smith talks about at the end, these guys love seeing Mackey full and loud...if you're not planning on going and you're close by, I hope you feel crappy about it- these guys deserve a good send off.

-Smith has always been a high-effort guy and has improved steadily to become one of the best three point shooters in the league while being solid on the glass and dealing out assists.

-LewJack has fought through multiple injuries and rounded his game out, especially in his shooting, all while being a leader since stepping foot on Keady Court.

-Hummel has been one of the driving forces for making Purdue one of the most-respected teams in the nation over the past five seasons.  Like Jackson, he paid the price for the program with major injuries.

All three are playing some of the best basketball of their careers...let's hope the best is still to come for them. Regardless, they owe PSU, and should make them pay for the loss in Happy Valley, tonight in Mackey at 6:30.

one last time.

Lewis Jackson

We talk a lot. Sometimes less is more.

Teammate

Friend

Warrior

Heart

Drive

Boilermaker

Thank you, LewJack. 

Boilers Husk the Children of the Corn, 83-65

We often say that good teams beat the teams they're supposed to beat and do it handily. They don't "make it interesting," "not take them seriously enough," "look ahead" or "play to the level of their opponent." They win, simple as that. Tonight, the Boilermakers came into Mackey ready to play and without the cold-shooting doldrums that have plagued this team intermittently this season and won in what felt like -- for the first time in quite a while -- a laugher, 83-65, over Nebraska in the first meeting in either football or men's basketball between the new conferencemates.

It wasn't that Nebraska quit. No, they kept fouling and calling time outs in the final minute despite being down about 20, much to the disdain of the basketball-savvy crowd in Mackey. And Doc Sadler brought his debonair (for Nebraska) style into Mackey and prettied the place up. But tonight the Boilers were just too much and it was fun to see.

They came out strong and never let up. The lead got into the mid-20s before shrinking back to 14 in the second half and I will admit for a few seconds I thought, "No, they can't let this one slip back to a close game....can they?" And I was right...they couldn't. They were just too good for the Huskers on this evening. 

The Boilers outrebounded the boys from Lincoln, 27-20. Incredibly, there were only ten offensive rebounds recorded...in the entire game...by both teams combined. Purdue had eight, Nebraska the other two. It helped that our Boilers shot 55%, including 45% (on 13 of 29) from deep. To their credit, Nebraska scored at a 52% clip from the floor, yet couldn't make this a close game. It might have had something to do with the free throw situation; Purdue had 15 tries from the line, making two thirds of them, while Nebraska only went to the stripe three times the entire game.

The Boilers spread the scoring among five guys who got into double figures, with Rob Hummel leading the charge as he played his second-to-last game at Mackey (how's that grab ya?) with a season-high 29 points on 56% shooting, to go along with 7 rebounds and a couple of blocks. Rob definitely seems to be feeling it right now and may have finally gotten his conditioning to where he needed it in recent weeks. That's a good thing, as is the resolve of a guy who won't be ready for his college basketball career to be over in a few weeks. Anyone else remember how hard Brian Cardinal played in his final games in 2000, pushing the Boilers nearly to a Final Four? I'm just saying.

Addition by addition

DJ Byrd made a triumphant return, pumping in 15 points on 5-8 shooting beyond the arc. He also had 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Not a bad 28 minutes off the bench. I'd say this guy is focused right now and maybe his suspension has made his determination to lead even more rock solid.

Anthony Johnson didn't shoot well, scoring only one point, but he did have 4 assists and 2 steals. TJohn, however, started the game and again seemed to feel comfortable out there, putting up 11 points on 5-7 shooting (though still just an abominable 25% from the line) with 5 rebs, 3 assists and a steal.

LewJack played a very nice game, as well, though I didn't feel as though I noticed him as much as I usually do. Maybe that sounds silly, but it felt "quiet," even though Lew put up a tidy 13 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal. Another guy we'll surely miss. And speaking of that, the third senior -- Ryne Smith -- also chipped in with 50% three-point shooting and 12 points.

Nobody got into any foul trouble to speak of, with the high foul counts for Purdue at....2. DJ Byrd played 28 minutes and didn't record a foul. The game just moved along as the two teams didn't play the kind of "Big Ten basketball" that narrow-minded media types like to imply is always played in the conference, but instead played an offensive-minded game that featured high-percentage shooting and quality passing. Imagine that.

In typical Matt Painter fashion, the bench is getting a lot shorter now as we head towards March. Matt tends to settle in on the guys he trusts in these moments, saddles 'em up and rides them to the finish. Just seven guys had double-figure minutes; nobody else had more than one minute of play. When you couple this tendancy of Coach Painter's with the loss of Kelsey Barlow, it's understandable why he would load up the minutes on these guys to see now if they can handle it. It's important to know who your horses are as you head towards single-elimination time.

While this recap is all-rosy, it's worth noting that Nebraska is just not a very good team. Bo Spencer has had a really nice season, but otherwise this is a patchwork team that is struggling in the basketball-serious Big Ten. It isn't the Big 12 anymore, where as long as you were okay with being pasted by Kansas twice a year you could still have a respectable season. And yet, they took down Clappy's Crew. So there's something (okay, a lot) to like about that.

The Boilers are now 18-10 (8-7), with three games to go. At Michigan, home vs PSU and at IU. Win two of those and you're guaranteed to be over .500 in the Big Ten and have another 20-win season. With the focus and comfort level I'm seeing out of these guys right now, I'm encouraged. I don't know if I'm ready to use the ol' cliche about them "peaking at the right time," but I'm definitely inching closer to it. Sure, this isn't the talent-laden group from last year or the year before, but it's a group that has been through quite a bit of adversity together. Does that bring a group together at the right time? It might.

Choo-choo.

Must Win in Champaign? Think Again.

With 16 wins on the board and at least seven games remaining, it's tough to call anything a must-win coming out of the best or second-best conference in America...but we're getting closer to must-win territory.

Some great news has been coming out of God's country in the last few days- Hummel and LewJack have been practicing more...and the effort the last few games might have something to do with practice...not a game...practice.  Who knows if these guys got healthier as Matty used some different motivational tactics or they see the end of their college careers quickly approaching...but whatever the case may be, it's the right time for these guys to be playing at their highest level.

J talked yesterday about Purdue's lack of success versus ranked opponents...and that chart really shows how our Boilers have wilted time and again versus the better teams in the conference.  BUT, I don't think there's a must-win on the docket until Nebraska.  If Illinois continues to struggle, the four-team race for two NCAA spots out of the B1G will continue.  Purdue, Illinois, Minnesota and Northwestern seem to be fighting for the last two spots in the dance out of the conference if all of these teams continue to play inconsistently...head-to-head, they only play each other in two more games.

Purdue plays Illinois tonight on the road.

Northwestern hosts Minnesota on the 18th.

But games between these four and Nebraska, PSU and Iowa might be the contests that decide who's going. All three of these teams have been in the 100s nearly all season...and bad losses are probably more damning at this point than good wins are helpful.  Purdue has already dropped a painful one, as we all know too well...so their magin for error is slim.

But, the Boilers beat Minnesota in their lone contest, swept Northwestern and will at least split with Illinois.  These four teams all currently fall between 42 and 59 in the RPI (NU 42, UI 47, PU 54, UM 59)...far from guaranteed range.

On the flip side of bad losses are the good wins.  In this conference, hell, in any conference with officiating as it is on the road and hostile environments getting more hostile down the stretch, hosting one of the elite of the conference probably lends itself to the best opportunity to snatch a victory.

Northwestern hosts UM and aOSU, Illinois hosts UM, Purdue hosts MSU, Northwestern hosts UM and aOSU and Minny hosts MSU and IU.

Sure, the conference tourneys can all open or close down at-large slots in a hurry depending on their results...but all of these teams really control their own destiny...and most-importantly, our Boilers are far from a long shot as it stands right now. And while they've been in nearly everyone's projections for the tournament, they don't even resemble a lock; even at a high seed.

And speaking of conference tourneys- if these teams finish in the same cluster as they are now, a pair of them might meet in the first round of the B1G tourney...but there are far too many variables in front of us to project that tourney at this point.

What you can be sure of is that if Purdue can play two good halves in just three or four more games on their remaining schedule, they'll probably be in...But that's a pretty sizable but since Matty's squad has only played three or four complete games all year.  When you think of that, it's pretty remarkable that they're even in this conversation.

Tonight the good guys will be going to the spaceship...so Tune in to BTN at 8:30, where Weber fights for his job and Purdue's Seniors fight for their post-season lives...BTN will probably have real people on the sidelines and in the production truck to cover it.

Boilers Come Up Short in Fight in Columbus: 87-84

Painter seemed more pointed and honest in his interviews following the loss v. IU: Purdue had lost its will and fight during the course of the season...and he wanted to see that change.

Coming into this game, I was all but positive that aOSU's horses would be able to push Purdue around and simply pound them into submission...but Purdue played their best two halves of the season and nearly found a way to beat the Nuts at home for the second time in two years.

Smith and LewJack didn't start; I presume as a message to the two that poor effort would yield consequence...and the team responded to the idea.  Purdue played crisp, disciplined and tough (after a slow start).  While they were out-rebounded, they weren't out-hustled...and offensively, a few guys reminded us just why we're so pissed off that this team hasn't won more games this year.

Byrd looked determined and looked for his shot...at the half, he was near his career high with 17 points.  He finished with 24 points and 6 rebounds while going 7/9 from three.  Kelsey Barlow took advantage of his length and size against Craft all day.  He drove and finished strong and didn't accept easy threes...And finished with 14pts, 3ast and 2 steals...and one of those finishes was one of the best dunks of the college basketball season as he and Sullinger got intimate.



LewJack had 14 and 4...and doesn't get a lot of calls while driving. But when he did tonight, he hit is free throws (6-6)...and the Boilers shot 68% from the stripe; better than many nights this season.  Hummel finished with 13 and 8...but got cold down the stretch and Smith finished with 9 and was 2/3 from three.

Let's make no bones about it, it's always tough to win on the road in the B1G.  The hostile crowd and even more-hostile officiating are two things you can count on while away from home.  The Discount Arena hasn't seen a visitor leave with a victory since our Boilers did it in '10...and they nearly did it again tonight by playing like they needed it; which they did.  But in spite of playing their best two consecutive halves of the season, The Forces of Good came up short.  But if they play with the focus, effort and fight we saw tonight, they'll finish this season with some big wins; which they simply must earn to get into the dance.

My thought is that Matty's squad must beat the teams they should (Northwestern, Nebraska and Penn State) then steal one from one of the ranked opponents to get into the dance.  Granted, there's no guaranteed formula...but 19 wins out of the B1G and a .500 record in conference will probably get the job done.

There are no moral victories...but perhaps Matty can point to this one to remind the team that they can play with anyone in the nation when they play the game the right way...which they simply haven't done for much of the season.

Next up, Northwestern comes to Mackey on Sunday.

LewJack: Purdue Boilermaker

At the beginning of NFL games in which the Saints play, Drew Brees always says: Drew Brees: Purdue Boilermaker.  Fitting because Brees is a guy who embodies the Purdue mentality.  He has a chip on his shoulder that seems to motivate him to defy critics and naysayers. He pisses off the competition and pretty much everyone respects him.

That got me to thinking- In a basketball season that has been tough to watch at times, there are still plenty of bright spots...Guys fighting through adversity...playing hard...frustrating the competition...etc.

The first guy I want to give tip of the cap to is Lewis Jackson.

If you've visited this site regularly for the last four years, you know what I think/feel about Jackson. His impact was immediate when he first suited up.  He started pretty much right away and made JJ, Smooge and Rob's lives easier by driving, drawing the defense, and finding them when they're open.  A pal of ours who is a regular reader told me that she was sick of watching LewJack play a few seasons ago- she didn't like the fact that he couldn't finish and he wasn't a good-enough shooter.  But, the Decatur, Illinois product has figured out how make difficult shots in traffic while tempering his speed a bit...and has paid dearly for it.

LewJack sans his beloved Jordans

Last night, Jackson was featured on BTN's "The Journey".  He said many Purdue fans tell him time and again that it pains them to watch him get knocked down time and again.  I agree with the assessment to an extent, but his ability to sell out and sacrifice himself has made him the best example for the underclassmen to follow game-in, game-out.

I've said it before, and will say it again now, this team has frustrated me because the defensive effort hasn't been consistent from the top to the bottom...but one thing seems to be a truth about this year as well- If LewJack is on, Purdue is a different team.

I'm not just talking about Jackson hitting jumpshots, which he does much more regularly than he did early in his career...but I mean on in every part of the game.  His tempo is impossible to match for opposing guards when he's not hobbled...his defensive style is frustrating and embodies what Painter wants to see out of on-ball defenders...and his ball handling is the best I've ever seen as a Purdue fan.

When he came in, his ability to handle the ball was what excited me the most...and he hasn't disappointed in this aspect of the game for the last four years. Porter Robers and Alan Eldridge both were in command of the offense while running the point, but I don't think either had the confidence with the ball in their hands that Jackson displays versus a press.  How many times in just the last two seasons has Jackson out-smarted a trap or simply been too quick to box in? That ability comes from the combo of hard work and God-given ability.

I've gotten to talk to Jackson a few times off the court...LBD is a big fan and Mrs. Boilerdowd puts Lewis on the spectrum somewhere between a Teddy Bear or puppy.  But I often remind her that this dude is tough as nails.  In fact, he and a few pals from back in Illinois get together and box...just for fun during the summers. In each of the matches I've seen (not in person, mind you), Jackson has been the smaller fighter by quite a bit...and has still managed to hold his own.  Not surprising watching what he's been doing against bigger guys on the hardwood during his time in God's Country.

I'm 5'4" and after talking to Jackson, I find it hard to believe that Jackson is much taller than 5'7"...but his lack of height means nothing to me and seems to mean little to defenders as they've been forced to respect his ability to change the pace of the game and its complexion with just one drive.  Like all of us who are below average in height, Jackson has developed the ability to revel in being the underdog...that attitude might be important as Purdue heads toward the final month of the regular season. Few people in the media, and almost no one outside of the Purdue family even sees Purdue as much of a story...but with 9 games left and plenty of time in the spotlight versus elite opponents, this season can still be made (or broken for that matter)...there's a lot of basketball left.

Lewis Jackson: Purdue Boilermaker

A Quick Second Look at Last Night (and special note)

I had sinus surgery yesterday...and my doctor said I should stay calm, not get my heart rate up and take it easy for a few days.  As my head got clearer and clearer due to the anestesia lifting, I kicked off my forced down time by watching my Boilers play an important one v. UM...here are a couple of things that I saw that seem like big story lines.

It's good to see the boys playing with heart...they must do it from here out.

-Seniors returned and played the way we thought they were capable of playing.  Smith had some big shots and was great away from the ball, Hummel shot himself out of the slump, and LewJack played huge...again.  Jackson has been the the most-clutch player on the team all season as teams can't seem to find an answer for his quickness and ability to get the ball into the teeth of the defense.

All that said, once again, the guys that everyone's looking at to finish the game couldn't knock down a shot down the stretch.  But, I don't think that's the reason for the loss.

The Boilers gave UM double digit leads in both halves and had to fight back twice to tighten the game...that's difficult on a team with healthy players...it's drudgery for a team with perpetually-weary legs.  The end result was a four minute period at the end of the second half in which Purdue simply couldn't stop Michigan from scoring time and again.  A team system based around stingy defense without even an OK defense is doomed to lose.

-Barlow's low minutes were because of the flu...glad to hear it wasn't something off the court that forced him off the court; he is needed.

-In his stead TJohn and AJ played some key minutes with TJohn starting.  I actually like what I saw out of AJ more than the game that TJohn played...but Matty disagreed with me.

-I said it coming into last night's game that Purdue needed to win six of the remaining 12.  While a ranked UM coming off of a loss is no gimme, this game was very winnable.  Purdue matches up better with UM than they do aOSU, IU and Northwestern.  Northwestern's disciplined 2-3 doesn't give opponents as many chances at lay-ups as does UM's 1-3-1.  Purdue will need to shoot lights out to be Northwestern and really didn't to beat UM.  IU has more length than anyone in the league...except aOSU.  Matty's scratching and clawing to find a way to stop the bleeding underneath...yesterday, we saw Hummel effectively play center for a half. Lawson still is trying to find his way on defense, Carroll struggles verus centers with good footwork and seems to not love contact when on offense and Marcius' lack of quickness hurts him.

-The UM series in the last 25 years has been one in which the away team has had pretty good success...and particularly, Purdue has been able to win at UM when they needed it most.  This season quickly becoming one in which a win in Crisler might be paramount.

-Novak reminds me of a shorter Christian Laettner...not because of the way he plays.

-The next game is v. Northwestern.  This one bothered me back in November before I knew how badly this Purdue team would be struggling in January...and that Northwestern would be fighting, gasping for its fleeting NCAA tournament lives.  Like seemingly everyone that Purdue's played the last month, Northwestern is coming off of a loss, so they'll be hungry.  In fact, they're coming off of two losses, like Purdue...something's gotta give.  And in the B1G, with a crowd that is right on top of the court and awesome, consistent officiating, it's usually the road team.

-I refuse to call it a must-win...but the next game, like the last is imperative.  10 regular season and at least one B1G tourney game left to win six...and there are some barriers in the way.

Illinois will want to bludgeon Purdue as revenge for the loss a few weeks ago. Northwestern's zone is cryptonite to Painter teams.  IU and aOSU have the two most-talented starting line-ups in the B1G, especially offensively...and our Boilers have struggled when faced teams that score in bunches.

-I heard a rumor about what's been happening in one of the player's personal life that was sad and painful just to hear, let alone live. This guy is a key contributor...and at times he's looked mentally not there.  Now, I understand it. If I can find proof of the story I heard, I'll pass on details as to not leave this dangling...but I doubt I'll ever have enough hard info to put it here.

Unrelated...but much more important:
A good guy named Ed, who has become a friend of ours via e-mail, texting and a handful of events had his Dad unexpectedly pass at the end of last week.  He's one of the biggest Purdue fans I know and has been generous to the site time and again.

J and a few fellow BSers had a chance to meet him at the Drew Brees golf outing last summer, I haven't yet been able to put a face with the name and virtual interactions.  But, I still feel connected to the guy because of our common passion for our Boilers. His Dad's story saddens both J and I for multiple reasons...so I'm writing today with a heavy heart.

God bless you, Ed- You, your Mom and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Boilers Gut-Punched In West Lafayette, 66-64

Just out of reach.

The snazzy silver unis did not bring the needed magic tonight, as the Boilers fell to Michigan at home, 66-64. It was an exciting game, with end to end action and not a whole lot of defense being played, and a total of only 21 free throws shot between the two teams. Kind of an unusual Big Ten game, by usual standards. In the end, though, it was a bad ending for the home team.

For the first time in two years, the Boilers have lost multiple home games at Mackey. For the first time in seven years, Michigan has a win in Mackey. And for the first time in five years, the Boilers have seven losses before the end of January. I'm sure I could come up with more, but it's depressing me, so I will stop there. It's a year of too many non-good firsts-in-a-while for the Boilers and the road is getting more and more difficult.

Before Saturday against Michigan State, I assured B-dowd and others that the Boilers were making the NCAA tournament. I pointed out that at 14-5, if the Boilers went even .500 in their remaining dozen games, they'd be 20-11 (10-8 in the Big Ten). That would surely be enough, and doesn't even include potential Big Ten Tournament wins.

Well, they're 0-2 as they begin that final dozen games and so now ten games remain, with six wins needed to get to 20. Why 20? I just think the committee likes 20-win teams from power conferences -- especially the best conference. I am certain that a 20-win Purdue team gets in without a sweat. So now the tall order is 6-4 down the stretch. And while I know there are many of you thinking this team is veering sharply towards an NIT berth, there is still plenty of basketball to be played, and one thing I've learned from watching competitive Big Ten ball is that you just never know. Teams that look unbeatable are suddenly toppled, teams that looked left for dead rise again. And this year is particularly nutty in the conference. So I am not ready to give up, especially given the effort we saw from the leaders tonight.

Rob Hummel and Lewis Jackson came out and played incredibly solid games. Rob shook off his career-worst performance in East Lansing over the weekend to put in 16 points, grab 5 boards and dish 6 assists. Lew fought through his continuing back issues to lead the team in scoring with 17 points. LewJack also had 8 assists and went 6-8 from the floor and 5-6 from the line. Lew came to play and looked positively despondent when the Boilers came up short.

Nobody else on the team broke into double digits, with Ryne coming the closest with 9 points on 3-8 shooting. Terone Johnson continued his staggeringly atrocious FT shooting (currently at 33%) and Kelsey Barlow played nine minutes and was held scoreless. Awesome. 

Once again, the Boilers had stretches of lethargic play, poor rebounding and completely ice cold shooting. However, the bright spot was the Boilers 17-4 run that took them from a 44-34 deficit to a 51-47 lead. Mackey was noticeably loud (and all credit to the Paint Crew for that noise as the old people in view of the sideline camera were sitting motionless, as per usual), the Wolverines were reeling and the good guys were looking as excited as we've seen them in quite a while. This run was where DJ Byrd his his two threes, Ryne hit a couple of his and Rob seemed to be everywhere. I will say, it was nice to be on the positive side of the come-from-behind run like that.

Unfortunately, though, the Boilers found the crevice again and fell through it, failing to make a field goal for the final four minutes of the game. Incredible. I don't know how you fix this weird streakiness or at least find a way to get points when things have gone cold...but you need to if you're Matt Painter. Otherwise, an NIT berth will become more and more likely.

Here's to February 29th, Senior Night, being Rob, Lewis and Ryne's last game in Mackey and not some meaningless "tournament" game in March.

Do The Boilers Have A Leadership Problem?

Step forward, young men...

Coming into this season, we were excited about the prospect of this Senior class leading the Boilers for '11 & '12. Ryne Smith's ability to get under the opponent's skin, Lewis Jackson's hard-nosed bulldog mentality and Rob Hummel's mental toughness and ability to do so many things well seem like a great foundation for a basketball team. However, poor conditioning, inconsistent effort and nagging injuries have put Painter's squad in a position that's unfamiliar to Boilers (at least during the past few seasons). Things are very uncertain as the home stretch of the season begins to come into view...and this team's identity is hazy at best.

Speaking with my esteemed co-editor this weekend, I noticed that he was more irritated than usual (not enough fiber, perhaps) about Purdue basketball. We discussed the lack of effort at certain times this season, how the team looks listless at times, etc. It got me to thinking the above headlined question -- does Purdue basketball have a leadership problem?

It's a question that would have seemed unthinkable in recent seasons. Purdue has soft-spoken but definite leaders in recent years. JJ and E'Twaun weren't in-your-face guys, but they were true leaders-by-example. When the game was on the line, those guys wanted the ball and more often than not, they came through. There was also a fire in their bellies, as evidenced by a number of times when Moore would be seething even after a game for something that happened on the floor. One of b-dowd's favorite Moore videos was a clip posted to YouTube after the Boilers' won a tourney game and all the way up the tunnel, E'Twaun was quietly dag-nabbiting how a guy had swiped him. Easy to admire.

As this season dawned, we openly expressed our concerns about the fact that too much might be expected (or needed) from Rob Hummel. The guy was coming back from two ACL injuries, hadn't played a game in 20 months and was now the most seasoned veteran on a team with lots of young guys. He was going to be looked to by his coach, his teammates, the media...even opposition...as a guy who represents Purdue and the Big Ten and, in the words of some, what's right about college basketball.

The season then got rolling and I know that I, for one, was pleasantly surprised at how well Rob slipped back into character. He shot well, rebounded aggressively, led the team in scoring average and generally seemed like the leader and captain he was needed to be. Rob was like a coach on the floor and there is no doubt that Coach Painter relied on him as such. This was never more clear than in a home game where Anthony Johnson appeared to miss an assignment and then, when barked at by Rob on the court, mouthed off right back to #4. Hummel and Painter appeared positively furious with AJ and he sat for some time, the incident even appearing to impact his playing time in the next game or two.

However, also early on there were concerning signs. Rob wasn't hitting his free throws at his previous 90% rate. He was getting frustrated on the floor, especially as missed shots (by him and others) mounted and the Boilers blew large leads in devastating losses to Xavier and Butler. And his conditioning has seemed outright poor, at times causing him to appear winded and further unable to take his ideal shots.

None of this is to criticize Rob. It's more of a concern. We're beyond thrilled to have him back on the court and representing Purdue, but that doesn't change the fact that something does not seem right with this team. Games get away from them, whether it's blowing huge leads to lose games, or never getting into rhythm and almost appearing to give up (see MSU). As b-dowd pointed out to me, once their shooting was clearly cold and MSU began to put some distance between themselves and our Boilers, it looked like Purdue wanted to be just about anywhere besides East Lansing.

Those sorts of things are hard to define, with regard to how you correct them. Poor shooting, from the field and the line, are endemic problems and ones that sound simple enough (practice more!) but it's not always that simple, mainly because these guys are young men and there's also the "in your head" element. Such as, you know, when your coach mixes it up with the opposing student section.

Matt Painter is a coach who anyone who reads BS knows is well-loved here. For as much as we often wring our hands when Coach Hope is faced with football program decisions, we've often found ourselves on the opposite end of the spectrum during the winter, completely trusting "Matty" as he makes decisions affecting the basketball program. Is it time to cease the blanket trust and begin asking questions? I'm not sure. But I do know that the focus after a 25 point shellacking from an MSU team that is good but isn't that good shouldn't be on how idiotic students of a rival school insulted the honor of one of your players. Sure, it was classless, but....so what?

Lewis Jackson is a floor leader and gives his body up willingly for the betterment of the team, but he's never had to be a vocal leader. Rob Hummel continues to soldier on, though his frustration is becoming apparent and his body language has certainly taken a turn for the worse. Ryne Smith is a talented shooter who appears prone to bouts of under-confidence. And Coach Painter is now bickering with students during road games (who, make no mistake, will never forget that they got under Painter's skin).

The road does not get easier from here onward. Is there time for the Boilers to toughen up (both mentally and physically) before it's too late?

Embarrassed in East Lansing: 83-58

The telecast began with Hummel getting off of Purdue's bus and complaining about what had transpired over the previous 18 hours for our Boilers.  They had been held on the runway at Purdue's airport due to icing, poor visibility and lousy weather for three hours.  After that wait, they decided to drive up early this morning to East Lansing. Hummel said it was like nothing he had been through at Purdue...and his game in East Lansing was nothing like what we've come to expect.

He played sloppy, couldn't hit a shot and his body language told me after the first few minutes that it wasn't going to change.  Painter decided to only play him 22 minutes as the deep hole got deeper and deeper for the Boilers. He finished with two points on 0-11 shooting while grabbing a very respectable six boards...but Rob wasn't the only Purdue player as stuck as their chartered plane the previous afternoon.

Smith went 1-6, Byrd was 2-11, AJ was 1-7 and TJohn was 2-5.  The two point guards, Jackson and Barlow were the only two who seemed like they wanted to be there- LewJack hurt his back (it looked like badly), but still came back to try to squeeze more out of his beaten dominative frame...he finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal; Barlow had 6 and 4.

In the first 15 minutes, both teams shot like dog crap...and Purdue's effort kept them in it.  On one possession alone, Purdue had four offensive rebounds...but as MSU started hitting shots, Purdue's defense got worse and worse.  Once again, this Purdue team seems to think that it's offensively good enough to not play hard defense and to run a half-assed motion offense...and the end result showed just how good of a team Matty's squad is when they don't play with heart.  I'll take that back, the final score should have and could have been worse, but MSU's all-white final five players including walk-ons and cheerleaders helped Purdue climb into the upper-50s.  Had MSU kept their foot on the gas and Purdue's starters stayed in the game, it probably would have been 90-something to 40-something.

Gene Keady's best quote was, "It's not who you play, but when you play 'em."  And MSU coming off of two-straight losses is not a team you want to play if you're Purdue...hell, they're not a team anyone wants to play.  But Purdue looked and acted fatigued and heartless.  That could be because their heart and soul simply isn't there right now.  We've watched Hummel squeak into the low teens during the B1G season time and again by digging deep and finishing as strong as possible...but this afternoon was different- he didn't seem angry about the effort or the score, he just wanted the game over.  While I watched, I felt the same way.

I'm the first to admit how happy I am that #4 is on this team and is able to play basketball at all.  What he's gone through in the past few seasons isn't deserved and isn't fair...but it is what it is.  His pal, Dreymond Green came into MSU with a similar skillset and similar size...but a physique that looked like it belonged on a Weight Watchers commercial.  His laziness in high school and early college yielded him healthy knees though...and he's been able to finish his career playing his best basketball due to being in the best shape of his life...Good for him.

The story for one of the best Purdue underclassmen EVER is not the same, sadly.  Sure, there's a lot of basketball yet to be played this year; but what have we seen that tells us it's getting better? I for one have a hard time seeing it.  J said that he has a hard time seeing a scenario in which Purdue doesn't make the NCAA tournament...I'm the exact opposite.  The schedule is brutal from here out. Sure, this team will shine a few times at Mackey before this season is over, but they simply must do it versus the top teams in the conference to make an impact on the tourney committee.

Painter didn't have budget to get Fife to become a Boilermaker
(same might to be the case for Dawson & Harris*)

Hey Paint Crew- make a note: Branden Dawson is a jerk...he showed it again today in East Lansing by talking trash to Painter on more than one occasion.  Maybe that's why he didn't end up at Purdue- because he's not a good fit and he just doesn't like Painter...or maybe the fact that Matty never seems to get near the shady underbelly of NCAA basketball recruiting has something to do with it.  Whatever the case may be, I'd like Dawson to never win at Mackey Arena...and I think that's a real possibility.  But effort like what we saw today from Matty's squad will not make that a reality.

Versus Xavier, Alabama and now MSU, Purdue seemed to be nowhere near as talented as their foe.  And  on top of that, in each of those games, the old trademark defense and motion offense both failed miserably due to inconsistent, if not shoddy, effort.  Purdue allowed MSU to make 3/4 of their shots (before the scrubs came into the game) in the second half...teams NEVER win games when that happens.  Regardless of travel issues, talented blue chip opponents and tough road venues, what we saw today out of Purdue is inexcusable.

The good news is our Boilers play in three days back at Mackey.  The bad news is the opponent just beat MSU and will probably be a top-15 team.  Painter's teams typically don't lose back-to-back games...but they've unpleasantly surprised me over and over again this season; who's to say that it won't happen again?

One thing we do know: There are at least 12 games left in the season (11 on the schedule, 1 in the B1G tourney) and I think Purdue needs to find a way to win half of them.  Coincidentally, six of those games are at Mackey.  Seems to me at this point, that Purdue must protect the home court to make the dance.


*My perspective on Izzo changed quite a bit in 2010 when he was suspended for a game for a secondary suspension.  He didn't seem angry about the violation, but that the NCAA had the gall to hold him accountable for breaking a rule.  That coupled with rumors over Branden Dawson's recruitment in the summer of '10 make me like the guy less than I used to...but that's natural since Painter simply doesn't win recruiting battles agains the uber-successfull Izzo.

Expecting The Unexpected

I came into Mackey Arena prior to the Illinois game expecting to see a Purdue team that would struggle versus Illinois, but would pull out the game in front of the friendly Mackey crowd.  As we all know, Purdue was dominant that night; at least for a half, as they frustrated the Illini and created havoc on defense that led to easy buckets.

I sat down to watch our Boilers play Penn State with the full expectation that Purdue would cruise to victory versus a team in the high-100s to low-200s that had struggled against every respectable opponent they'd played.  Purdue was controlled, man-handled and embarrassed.

I thought this season would be like the previous seasons under Painter- defense would create offense, leads would be secure and victories would mount up as the team got better and better. Well, Painter's club is winning at about the rate I thought they'd be doing so, but the way they've done it hasn't been predictable.

They've given away 15 point leads time and time again. They've struggled shutting down marginally-effective guards from opposing teams. They haven't been able to defend the three with consistency. The middle of the defense has been soft.  This is not the new norm...but for a season, this is what Purdue is.

I read an article about how practice was following the PSU game.  Jackson called it grueling and painful...and about every player on the team said it wasn't like anything they'd seen this season.  The team responded to the hellish practice by soundly beating Minnesota in a tough venue.  Sure, that isn't beating IU, MSU or aOSU on the road, but it's a start.

As injuries have plagued this team, Painter has decided the only way to keep a cohesive unit on game day is to allow guys to sit out in practice.  The problem is, Purdue has not defined by its ability to beat the opponent on offense, but instead has used tough defense, mental and physical toughness and grit to wear down the competition.  This year, the cornerstone of what's rebuilt the program is not in place...and it shows.

Rob Hummel is not the Rob Hummel of old.  LewJack might be a half step slower than he should be due to on-going back issues...and that's really enough.  Two of the team captains, the guys who play more minutes than anyone simply can't sell out play after play.  Ironically, they're both in this position because they had put their bodies on the line over and over and over.  But now, when guys like AJ or Jacob Lawson seek an example of how to play the game, they're looking at two guys who are far from what they've been physically for the majority of their careers.  And when Purdue needs to grind out point in crunch time or hit a free throw down the stretch, the leaders of the team are simply dog tired because they haven't been able to practice to get their legs and lungs back.

It's quite a lousy situation for the team and the coach to be in.  But I think Painter figured something out after the PSU game that seems obvious to an outsider- if a guy can't play, he shouldn't play...plain and simple.

Granted, LewJack at 80% is still probably the best point guard on the team.  And Hummel at 90% is most-assuredly the best wing on the team...both are still of the two best players in the conference when hobbled.  But neither has been able to finish with regularity...and both of these guys' careers will be remembered for defensive stops, big drives and big shots to put games away. It's a shame their Senior seasons have been this way. But things are exactly what they seem to be- confusing.

There's no doubt that when their legs aren't wobbly and they're mentally in the game, this Purdue team can compete with anybody.  And there's also no doubt that when they're not absolutely focused on the task at hand, they're the worst Purdue team since Painter's first year as HC at Purdue.

I have said this for years- offense takes skill, ability and athleticism, you can't score without physical tools. But defense is mental.  It's the decision to not give up after being beaten on the previous play. It's the ability to ignore your body's reminder that it is ready to quit...and it takes five players who are on the same page to successfully play defense in this conference.  Because of fatigue and lack of continuity, this team's defense has been deplorable at times; and as the defense goes, so goes a Painter squad.

Can they improve this season? Absolutely; there's still plenty of upside for this team.  Will they become consistent? I doubt it.  But next game will take all of the mental and physical toughness this team can muster as they'll play the 1-3 Badgers...who will try to beat up and physically dominate this already beaten up Purdue team.