Alright so very mixed opinions on this Big Ten matchup between 2nd place Purdue and middle of the pack Ohio State.

As a student at Purdue I feel required to write something about this game, for I have seen..every one of their basketball games so far this season.

Purdue right now is MOST definitely playing their best basketball of the year.  After a rough 0-2 start to the Big Ten season, they have come back to win 6 in a row! That includes 3 road wins, over a Northwestern team that has won AT Michigan State, at Wisconsin one of the toughest places to play on the road, and also over the young and surging Gophers on the road.
Purdue has 10 games remaining on their schedule, and of those I see them having 4 close games.

@Ohio State, @Illinois, vs MSU and at MSU.

Purdue has definitely struggled at Ohio State in the past, losing last year by 3 points in OT as guard Jamar Butler of OSU went for 25 points (graduated)  and OSU has won 7 of its last 8 against Purdue at home.

Purdue has a very tough defense, helping the Big 10 to be known for low scoring games

Against Big Ten Opponents this season, excluding OT here is how their opponents have scored:  Illinois 56 (avg 68), Penn State 67 (avg 70),  Northwestern 61 (avg 65.5),  Iowa 53 (avg 62), Minn 62 (avg 71), Wis 52&63 (avg 66), Mich 49 (avg 68.5).  Purdue also holds their Big Ten opponents to a league best average of only 36% on their FG.

Its a given, Purdue is going to play well on defense against Ohio State, but the question is will it be enough?

Ohio State played another great defensive team in Illinois and committed 19 turnovers and shot only 41%, I’d like to think a similar situation will occur tonight.

Ohio State has yet to prove themselves in the Big Ten so far.  Their 5 wins have come against Michigan twice (a team that has beaten both UCLA and Duke, but is very inconsistent) Indiana twice (they just really suck) and against Iowa.  They have lost twice against Michigan State, once @ Northwestern and @ Illinois.

You can say they have lost the games they were supposed to have lost and won those that they should win.

The Buckeyes have a real test tonight with the solid Boilers coming to town, and I just don’t think I would be willing to risk a wager on either side.  Evan Turner of the Buckeyes leads the way for the team in scoring at 16.6 ppg, with only 4 points coming in their loss at Illinois.  I like the constant pressuring defense with Chris Kramer, Keaton Grant, and Lew Jackson to shut him down and to create a lot of turnovers.

As you know Kramer comes off the Michigan game after having his nose broken by Manny Harris’ elbow, but he is fine and later came back to play some more outstanding defense in the second half.  Also, Robbie Hummel for Purdue has had a lingering back injury, with each and every fall to the floor making my heart drop in my chest.  This game could be very physical and I hope that he gets through it unharmed.  Lew Jackson at Wisconsin took a very hard pick which game him a concussion, and hopefully he will make his return tonight to help the Boilers.

I think that Purdue wants to continue their strong performance and are only 1/2 game back from Conference leading Michigan State, but I could see this game going either way.

I like Purdue in a close one 67-63, but if you want to save your streak, save your pick for another matchup tonight.

-NDChamps

You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing. -Arthur Ashe