Purdue - Baylor Preview

West- Round One
(6) Purdue Boiler Makers Vs. (11) Baylor Bears
Thursday, March 20 @ 2:50 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Purdue -3

The #18 Purdue Boiler Makers (15- 3 Big 10, 24- 8 overall) finished second in the Big 10, one game behind Wisconsin. At the start of the season, Purdue, a young team starting two freshmen, two sophomores and a junior, played uneven ball. But by the time they hit conference play, they’d found solid footing. At one point, they reeled off 11 straight Big 10 wins, including a victory versus Wisconsin on the road.

The team rotates and screens in order to create shooting opportunities. Much of its offense comes from outside attempts, including deadly three-point shooting. Robbie Hummel (45.8%), Keaton Grant (44.6%) and E'Twaun Moore (42.6%) are a triad of top three-point shooters in the conference. Hummel, a versatile swingman, can do it all.

The defense is a tick above many others. Chris Kramer, who had a league best 67 steals, was the Big- 10’s Defensive Player of the Year. The “D” is unrelenting, which will be a big help in tournament play.

The Baylor Bears (9- 7 Big 12, 21- 10 overall) have not been to the Big Dance since 1988. For the Bears, who earned only their fourth 20-win season in 102-years, their primary offensive thrust is found in five talented guards.

The Bears led the conference in 3-pointers (8.6 Three-PT/G) and in free throw percentage (.744). Guard Curtis Jerrells (14.8 PPG, 3.6 APG, 1.3 SPG) is the team’s primary offensive weapon. Guards Henry Dugat (12.1 PPG, 1.5 SPG) and Tweety Carter (9.6 PPG) have also contributed greatly. Key reserves include guards LaceDarius Dunn (13.5 PPG) and Aaron Bruce. The weaker inside game is activated by forward Kevin Rogers (12.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG).

If the Boiler Makers can wreak havoc on the Bears’ outside game, then Baylor will have it tough going. This could be a shootout.

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