While Friday night’s game against Purdue at Mackey Arena isn’t a must-win for Indiana’s NCAA Tournament chances, getting knocked out of a competitive situation in the second half is never a good thing. Especially against Purdue.
After a loss at Assembly Hall in late January, Matt Painter had his team ready for this game. The Boilermakers effectively limited Lamar Wilkerson’s offense for much of the game, holding him to just two points in a 1-3 first half.
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Purdue also prepared for Nick Dorn, closing in on him on the perimeter and refusing to be caught off guard by his shot for the second time this season. Dorn has struggled since his stellar mid-season run, but tonight was a particularly tough game for him as he was held scoreless through the first 30 minutes of the game.
On the other side of the court, Brayden Smith looks like the Brayden Smith who will compete for numerous late-season awards and all-league, possibly All-American honors. Indiana has been able to contain him in the Hall throughout his career, but that wasn’t the case tonight in McGee.
Smith missed his first jumper of the game but hit an open 3-pointer on a Wilkerson turnover on Purdue’s second possession. McGee erupted and the fans didn’t seem to sit down until the final buzzer.
Purdue extended the lead to 30 points in the final period, allowing Painter to clear the bench and avenge the Boilers with a convincing win.
The Hoosiers have a few days off before hosting Northwestern on Tuesday night, a game the Hoosiers really can’t afford to lose if they want to stay on the right side of the bubble.
