Purdue Game Review

The Gophers have an issue. Purdue played very well and looked very much the part of the second best team in the conference but the Gophers could of still won this game. The Gophers did a lot of things well. They had 10 blocks, 12 steals, only turned the ball over 3 times in the second half. They made 27-31 free throws making 27 in a row. It wasn't enough to overcome what is the overwhelming issue that has cost them the last two games. No one on this team can shoot. They shot 27.6% and an unbelievable 15.8% from three. How did this same team shoot 9-9 from 3 against Penn State. To prove that no one can shoot look at each players shooting:

Al Nolen 3-14
Damian Johnson 2-9
Lawrence Westbrook 2-8
Devoe Joseph 3-8
Paul Carter 1-5
Blake Hoffarber 1-4
Devron Bostick 0-2
RSIII 2-4
Colton Iverson 2-3
Busch 0-1

Some of the poor percentage can be attributed to Purdue's D but there were a lot of open shots. If the Gophers even shoot 36% I have to believe they win this game. If they are going to turn this season around they have to shoot at least 36%. We have enough problems with half-court offense that when we get shot we have to make them. Purdue played great but our shooting lost the game. One thing I don't get is at the beginning of games we go down low to the bigs and force things and then we don't do that anymore and they usually don't even play towards the end. Ralph went 2-4 with 7 rebounds and Colt was 2-3 and they combined for only 36 minutes.

On a bright note while he shot 3-14 I was impressed with the play of Al Nolen. He was fouled on most of those shots and went 10-10 from the line. He also had 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and one block. He was the only player aggressive on the offensive end and got into the paint whenever he wanted.

The Gophers should get the good feelings going again when they head to lowly Indiana on Sunday. Hopefully someone gets their shot going.

Purdue Preview

#21 Minnesota Golden Gophers (16-2, 4-2) Vs. #18 Purdue Boilermakers (14-4, 3-2)

This is a big game for Minnesota. While a loss won't hurt their chances of making the NCAA tournament. A loss will make it hard to get a seed higher than 8 or 9 and finish 3rd or better in the conference. If they are going to stay in 2nd place they need to protect the home court from other top 25 teams. Here is Purdue's resume:

Wins to showcase

• vs. Wisconsin 65 - 52
• vs. Davidson 76 - 58

Losses to hide from

• at Penn State 64 - 67
• vs Illinois 67 - 71

Assets

• Defense: Hold opponents to 36% from the field, best in Big Ten and 57.3 ppg, 3rd in Big Ten
  
• Scoring: Score 72.2 ppg 2nd in conference despite shooting 9th best 44.5%
• Robbie Hummel: 13.8 ppg, 7.9 rebs, 2.4 ass

Issues

• Shooting: shoot 35.4% from three and 44.5% from the field both 9th in conference
• Road Experience: Have only played 3 true road games. Only two road wins are Northwestern in which they were down 11 with 7:45 left and at Ball State who has an rpi of 208.
  
• Defensive rebounding: Opponents get 12.8 offensive rebounds/game most in Big Ten

They came into the year with high expectations after returning almost everyone from a 15-3 second place team. They have been very underwhelming so far this year. They were crushed by Duke at home, and started the conference 0-2 losing at home to Illinois and losing at Penn State. That said they are a very talented team that still is a lock for the NCAA's. They play a game very similar to the Gophers where they play tough defense and get the offense going through turnovers.

Interesting things to watch

• Robbie Hummel Vs. Damian Johnson: Robbie Hummel was the preseason Big Ten Player of the year and has struggled with back issues but looks to be back in top form. Damian Johnson has a chance to make his case as the Defensive Player of the Year with a great game here.
• Al Nolen: He is coming off a bad game at Northwestern. Purdue feeds off turnovers so it will be up to Nolen to play fast but under control and lead the defensive intensity.
  
• Gophers response: The Gophers are coming off a bad loss to Northwestern and are coming back to Williams playing a very important game. All the students are back and so the Gophers need to get out to a good start to get Williams rocking and put doubt in Purdue.

Prediction

Purdue has been very underwhelming so far this year but is coming off a throttling of Iowa at home. While that is not impressive it may have gotten them going in the right direction. They have All-Big Ten talent they just haven't put it together yet this year. If this game was at Purdue I think it would be an easy win for Purdue. However, this is a nationally televised game at a packed Williams Arena. Tubby should have the Gophers coming out hard and playing well, very similar to the Ohio State game. This will be very close but I think the Gophers will play with enough urgency to pull this game out.

Gophers 79, Purdue 78

Quick News

• It is official. Jedd Fisch is the new offensive coordinator for the Gophers. It lacks great excitement but it will be interesting to see what becomes of the offense.
• In disappointing but who really cares news, Kevin Payton has been suspended indefinitely for academic reasons. He has appeared in only 8 games so far this year.
• Helping my opinion that Tubby is here to stay. The Star Tribune is reporting that Minnesota is evaluating ways to build a practice facility for the basketball team.