Sparty Punches out Purdue at Mackey

Other than a really bad flagrant foul call, there were no dramatics this time...just a good team beating up on a not-so-good team in methodical fashion.

Run over.

Unlike in the loss versus Northwestern, Purdue seemed to fight and play hard...but the discrepancy between Prudue and MSU at this point is not a gap, but a chasm.  MSU has a system that the players buy into...and they have a ton of size, athleticism and talent.

Purdue continues to look discombobulated...has no chemistry or cohesion and a bunch of players wearing the same jersey who really aren't on the same team.

On a night that Robbie Hummel's number was put in the rafters of Mackey alongside Moore's, and Darrell Hazell was introduced to the fans, students and alums, the Mackey crowd was lackluster...but I'm not so sure I could blame them on this night.

Much like IU, UM, aOSU and even Northwestern last week, Purdue just doesn't look like it belongs with many of the teams in the B1G this season.  Like I said, at least the effort was better overall, but Purdue isn't very good right now.  Jacob Lawson, who hadn't played in the last few games played two minutes; which was good to see...Hale played solidly...Marcius played with energy, used his fouls up quickly (7 minutes, 5 fouls). RonJohn's 15pts, 8ast and 3steals were solid offensively, but he struggled mightily to slow down Appling. Hammons 13pts and 8 rebounds were solid, but he seemed to force his shots early.  TJohn's 20 points led all Boilers...but Purdue couldn't really get the game into single digits for the majority of the second half.  It was like MSU would just bat Purdue away if they got it down to 13...The final score of 78 to 65 really doesn't indicate how much command of the game that MSU had.

DJ Byrd attempted just one shot...and was in foul trouble for most of the game.  His last foul and subsequent body language afterward showed his agitation with the game.  MSU dictated the physicality of the game, the officials dictated how much they'd allow Purdue to do...and Purdue just kinda went along with it.  Poor free throw shooting (just under 65%) made a difference in this one...but if Purdue had been making FTs, I feel like MSU would have just done something differently to push the game back out to a 15 point lead (or something close to it).

Purdue only shot 5 three pointers...and it's a good thing- they went 1 for 5.  This Purdue team continues to be defined by poor shooting, regardless of the situation, awful offensive flow, mediocre defense and, at least they have this, solid rebounding.

With this loss, Purdue slips back to the familiar .500 (12-12)...but don't get comfortable with that fellow Boiler fans- the way this team is playing right now, they'll probably finish 5 or six games under .500.  At this point, Purdue is what they are...and I don't know if I've ever said this sentence in my life- it would take a miracle for our Boilers to make the NIT.

Purdue travels to Assembly Hall this week to play an Illinois team that really wants to break their 8-game losing streak v. the Boilers...then on to Ass. Hall to play a horribly-coached and amazingly-talented squad.

Seasons like this have consequences...They're tough on the fanbase, coaching staff and team.  Rumors are swirling about the futures of a couple of the players on the team.  I've said it before, I'd like to see everyone return...But only if they're willing to buy into the system and work in the off-season.  EVERYONE has work to do on this roster...and if they're not willing to do it, they should think about heading somewhere else.  But if they use these ass kickings as learning opportunities, good things can happen in '13/'14.

That's a tough concept to swallow for a ton of reasons-  First off, DJ Byrd's career is not going to end anything like many thought it would...that's too bad; I like Byrd and wish things were different for a myriad of reasons.  BUT, if TJohn thinks that this will be his team just because he's a Senior next year, he needs to learn from what he's watched up close this year.

Little things like missing free throws send a bad message to under classmen...if 0 wants things to get back on track for the program, he needs to start doing little things now. That's a tall order for a guy whose effort (specifically on defense) has been inconsistent.

I feel like I'm being pretty damned negative- those of you who are reading probably didn't enjoy reading it anymore than I enjoyed writing it...and apologize for that.  But this season has been a tough one to watch.

Keep your heads up.

Weekend Wrap-Up: Drifting to Sleep...and a Wake Up Call

Here at BS, we love Purdue players to wear their hearts on their sleeves, sell out when on the field of play and play with heart. Our Boilers did just that in East Lansing on Saturday...and the reason is probably their coach. Danny Hope sold the idea of his players making something happen, being aggressive and playing like there was no tomorrow...And his players did just that. In the process, the Boilers almost pulled off a gigantic upset similar to aOSU in '09. But, unlike in Ross-Ade last season, they simply couldn't finish.

The games are pretty similar in the way they were played. Purdue played with the lead for much of the game in both and the more-talented squad scratched and clawed its way back into the game. But, Purdue stepped up and made plays last year, and simply collapsed this season.

Unlike many games this season, there are plenty of positives to take away from this one...but, like most games this year, there were a ton of negatives. But, the main problem really was the timing of these mistakes was critical.

I joked in my prognostication for the game that it would take multiple defensive TDs for Purdue to win. And Ricardo Allen got the message as he had his second interception for a TD in two weeks. All day long, Allen played blanket defense and made play after play. At one point, I asked myself why MSU dared throw his way. The only times he wasn't there to break up the pass was when Purdue's scheme called for zone or asked for the corners to back off of the line of scrimmage.

Kerrigan also played large in spite of being clothes-lined and held for most of the game...but as MSU decided to simply double and triple team him, the rest of the line just didn't take advantage of the situation.

Rob Henry played very well at times and made some awful decisions others. I think much of that can be chalked up to his age and maybe his injured finger still...In my opinion, Henry played well-enough to lead Purdue to a win. I like that he is willing to check out of plays when he sees the defense in the wrong set for potential success. I hate the way he doesn't seem to see it until it's too late. I like the fact that he's willing to take shots down the field. I hate the way he seems to make those throws blindly at times...and seemingly to no one.

The special teams, like Henry, was way up and down. Wiggs got involved with an important 52 yard field goal...but both he and Webster, while punting, had some horrible kicks. Barbarette had an important long kickoff return...but the punt protection let an obvious block formation in nearly unabated. In fact, multiple players could have made the block of the punt that sealed Purdue's fate.

Coach Nord had some brilliant play calls...but also seemed to struggle making effective calls on first down. Landholm & Emanuel had Purdue's bend, but don't break defense dialed in early, but played it too safe in the fourth quarter time and time again...plus, they gave Cousins too much time and allowed him to pick Purdue apart (he played brilliantly, by the way...and gritty too).

No Purdue fan that I know was surprised that Purdue lost. But, most were surprised in the manner in which it happened. The offense showed that it had a pulse, the defense played hard and made plays for three quarters. But the team combined to rip the hearts out of the Purdue faithful. Granted, MSU made plays, but our Boilers all but presented the opportunity for Sparty on a shiny silver platter...and (as you all know) MSU won, 35-31.

After the game, I was so deflated and "meh" that I simply enjoyed having my family over for dinner and forgot to do a post-game wrap up...that's why this is so late. This is kind of what this season has done to me as a fan, honestly. I've been to every home game, watched every away game on TV, but I'm sapped of enthusiasm...and hate admitting it, because I'm not usually that way, especially about Purdue football. I still love the players and feel like they're giving everything they have...and much of that is because of Hope's ability to motivate them.

BUT, I also feel the lack of football IQ by this staff has simply killed this team over and over. From stupid time-outs (again and again), to inconsistent play-calling, I'm frustrated with this coaching staff. We had a commenter yesterday get angry at people for having the audacity to complain about these coaches, but I'll always support the players first. Afterall, they're the ones who are really bleeding for the University and the coaches as they follow their marching orders.

For the second year in a row, the Bucket is what it was in the mid-90s. An in-state rivalry that means nothing outside of the borders of Indiana. And it's funny, 30 minutes really changed that. At one point late in the second half of both games, IU was tied with Penn State and Purdue was up by 15. One half our later, Purdue had given the game to MSU and IU had done what they do- rolled over...on their home field, FedEx Field.

I don't have the hatred for IU (especially in football) that I do for UND...and I while I want Purdue to beat IU, I have a really hard time getting "up" for this one. I hope our Boilers don't feel the same way I do.

Mackey Madness (Kinda)

Oakland came to Mackey tonight and was clearly more-ready to play than Purdue. The Golden Grizzlies held the lead for much of the first half and didn't go away until late in the second. Like many contests versus mid-con teams, their drop-off in talent after their starting five was sizable. Purdue's depth was something they couldn't keep up with, so the Boilers improve to 3-0 after winning 82-67.

The box score tells you that Purdue's Big 2 both played well and carried Matty's crew. But, a few things might get missed just by looking at the numbers.

First, Smooge started the game ice cold and didn't score until around 9:00 left in the half. It's not coincidental that after he started heating up, Purdue began to assert itself. But, he had an uncharacteristic amount of turnovers (4)...but was lock down on defense at times. He finished with 26 points, was 4/5 from three, 4 assists and 3 steals.

JJ seemed to do everything right...except shooting behind the arc. All of a sudden he thinks he's a three point shooter. Sure, he hit two tonight (doubling his previous high from last game)...but he missed three. In JJ's case, I'm just trying to look for something to pick on- he played huge in a game that was hyped to be a showcase for him and Benson (from Oakland). JJ finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks...and played 40 minutes. He was great, and made his teammates better.

John Hart's the third guy who comes to mind for me. He had 11 points off the bench in just 13 minutes. He shot poorly from three (1/5), but was a huge spark and played with a ton of energy.

On the other end of the spectrum, I'm not sure how Ryne Smith can stay in the starting line-up much longer. I like the guy, but, as Painter said, you've gotta produce to play...and I don't see it. He might be automatic in practice, but he's not in the game. Plus, he's not as strong as many of the guards on the team on defense and simply isn't able to assert himself at either end.

Terone Johnson (10 points in 17 minutes) or DJ Byrd (6 pts, an assist, steal and block) might both be able to take his place, in my opinion. I really like DJ Byrd without the ball and on defense too.

LewJack, like Smith, struggled offensively, but unlike Smith, continues to be very good defensively. But, he was rocked a few times by picks up top and was visibly shaken up as he was taken out of the game. But, tonight might have been the first night this season where Barlow looked like he should be starting at the point. Kelsey only scored 4 points, but he had 5 assists and 0 turnovers. I like LewJack as a starter and Barlow off the bench though because their styles are so different...but it could work either way, I believe, and might be best to judge depending on the opponent.

Outside of JJ, none of Purdue's bigs did much to write home about- Bade had no points...but more disparaging, 0 rebounds. Carroll the same, and Marcius didn't play. This is the first game this season where Purdue played significant talent under the basket, and the rebounding battle showed it- Purdue lost that 26-31. If nothing else, Bade & company need to make rebounding their sole focus- especially when JJ is scoring like he did tonight (which should happen often).

Not sure if it was the fact that they were coming off of such an easy win, or because Oakland is a pretty good team (they were 17-1 last season in conference and went to the tourney), but Purdue was flat for much of the first half and couldn't separate themselves until Oakland was just beat-tired. But, Purdue allowed way too many points in the first half and seemed to let Oakland dictate the pace...noteworthy, but not bothersome unless these problems become a trend.

And I know there's no transitive property in sports, but Oakland lost by 24 to West Virginia to open their season...and WVU lost to Minny earlier tonight (after beating UNC). At this point, I don't think any of this means much.

Next up, Austin Peay on the 23rd.

You Can't Score, You Can't Win

This isn't the first time we've seen this Purdue team struggle offensively this season, but it might be one of the most noteworthy.

MSU's a good team, but should they have won the BT title? Should they have won it by FOUR games? No matter, shoulda, coulda, woulda, didn't. As Purdue floundered to the finish losing three of its last four games, MSU finished strong and left no doubt that they were the league champs without a doubt. This Purdue team, while talented, just hasn't been able to get into rhythm for any substantial amount of time this season. Blame whatever you'd like- But this season has been a step backward.

Our Boilers finished the regular season 24-7 last season. That team struggled mightily early, losing back-to-back games to Wofford and Iowa State. But those games seemed to sober up the Baby Boilers and teach them what not to do.

This season, in contrast, seemingly nothing hasn't seemed to have gleaned any "lessons" during the season. And, I think it could be fairly argued that Purdue's best basketball, at least thus far, was played in December. Purdue's regular season record is 22-9, with 7 losses coming in conference.

NCAA Basketball Stats

My outlook last season was never as down as it has been at times this year- I had no expectations for last-season's team...and admittedly, I expected more this season. I didn't believe the pre-season hype, but I thought a BT title and a decent tourney run was possible...and honestly, both still are, but each loss makes the latter more difficult as Purdue's seeding is surely slipping with each lackluster performance.

A recurrent theme we've seen this season is the "disappearing star". Early on, I thought Grant would be an offensive weapon, but he was no where to be found. Later, Smooge made it a regular occurrence to go silent during important games, at imperative times...Today, the Ostrich joined this lousy trend with one of his worst games of the season (8pts, 25% shooting, only 5 boards).

But he wasn't alone this afternoon. Purdue's offensive production was flat-out bad in E. Lansing. Here are the numbers, for those of you that love stats-

Purdue shot 28% from the floor, 17% from behind the arc. At the same time, they allowed MSU to do what they do, and control the glass, grabbing 16 more boards than Purdue.

Calasan was the best three-point shooter going 1-2 from behind the arc. Grant (who had been hot), Smooge and the Ostrich combined for a 3-17 game from three-point land.

Purdue took pretty good care of the ball only turning it over 12 times...and the defense was solid- they held MSU to 62 points while stealing the ball 7 times and blocking 5 shots. But, our Boilers went 7+ minutes, yet again, without a bucket in the second half, and that was the difference in the game. Just like versus NU, Purdue simply made victory nearly-impossibly by creating a large deficit because of no offensive output.

Moving Forward
Those wearing gold-colored lenses in their glasses might say there's plenty of basketball yet to be played...and there is. But, Purdue has struggled mightily against inspired teams, this season.

Oklahoma was inspired back in NY...inspired to show the nation that they were for real. Duke was inspired to shut up the press, and the Mackey crowd...and let Purdue know they were the better team for that big match-up back in early December. Illinois has been inspired all-season to re-establish themselves as a upper-eschelon conference team. PSU has been trying to let the league know they belong up there too. UM wanted revenge after the bloodbath in Mackey. Northwestern was desperate to avenge the earlier loss in Evanston (and stay alive for the NCAA tourney). MSU wanted to send its Seniors out on a high note (novel idea) and celebrate their BT title.

Now, in the post-season, do you think any of Purdue's opponents will be playing inspired basketball? Every team will. And Purdue's first opponent in the BT tourney will more-than-likely be a bubble team who is playing desperate as they need to earn their way into the dance.

Here's some good news- Purdue now has 4 days to clear their minds, get healthier, and re-focus on what's important. More positive stuff- Purdue is 2-1 at neutral sites this season, 1-0 at Conseco. Now here's the best news- Purdue is still good enough to be anybody in America when they play inspired. And, they're still one of the best defensive teams in America...from JJ's enforcing lane presence, to Kramer's intensity, to LewJack's quickness...our Boilers are stout defensively, when they decide to be.

The question now is, how inspired are our Boilers after backing their way out of the BT regular season schedule?

Their longest winning streak of the season is six games...if they can put together another six-straight wins, they'll be BT champs and will have made a trip to the sweet-16...and pretty successful season from about any perspective.