(20) Purdue 61, Penn State 47
Looking for their first conference win since star-forward Robbie Hummel went out with a broken L-5 vertebrae in his lower back, the Boilermakers made work of the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Talking Big Ten hoops was a hot topic with the Big Ten men's volleyball teams this past weekend, and speaking with Purdue students in regards to tonight's game, "it would be a huge test." Purdue has slowly been climbing down the top 25 ladder, and Penn State has gone from my pick for Big Ten tournament champion to possible NIT tournament choice. After winning four straight from Jan. 17 to their huge win on Michigan State's home court, Penn State was hammered by Michigan and lost at home to Wisconsin who recently lost six straight in conference play.
With both teams proving they still had fight back in them, Purdue sent a message. Not only did Purdue avenge their 67-64 loss at Penn State, they held Big Ten leading scored Talor Battle SCORELESS (0-7 shooting). Leading 28-26 at half-time, Purdue stayed poised going on an 18-2 run. While the offense did their part, the defense did theirs, holding Penn State scoreless for 7 1/2 minutes after Jamelle Cornley's basket with 8:46 left on the clock.
Penn State needs to finish conference play strong if they want to earn that NCAA tournament bid. They have lost their last three, don't have the strongest RPI (83), and finish with one of the toughest schedules in the Big Ten. They host Indiana and a still-tough Minnesota squad, have two match ups with No. 22 Illinois, go to No. 24 Ohio State, and finish at Carver-Hawkeye Arena where a pesky Iowa team could show up and shock them.
Up next for No. 20 Purdue is a visit to Iowa City on Saturday.
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