Hoosiers fall to rival Purdue

Tyler Smith January 29, 2015 0

By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — As former Hoosier Will Sheehey put it recently, playing Indiana is “Purdue’s Super Bowl.” They acted like it on Wednesday night. The fans created an electric atmosphere, the players played inspired basketball, and the Hoosiers struggled from the word “go.” Purdue opened the game on a 15-6 run, and never looked back. The Boilermakers defeated the Hoosiers 83-67 in front of a sold-out Mackey Arena.

All season long, fans were intrigued by this coming match-up when you consider Purdue’s size and Indiana’s shooting ability. Unfortunately for the Hoosiers, they didn’t bring their shooting up north. They only made 4-of-19 from behind the arc and shot an abysmal 38% from the field for the game. On the other side, the Boilermakers scored at will in the paint, shooting 59% for the game. On two-point attempts, Purdue shot 23-of-32 for a staggering 72%.

“They played with a lot of edge and a lot of passion,” Indiana coach Tom Crean said of Purdue after the game. “They’re a good team when they’re clicking like this.”

Purdue led 38-27 at halftime, then started the second half on an 8-0 run. Indiana wasn’t able to cut the lead under double-digits at any point after the break. Junior guard Yogi Ferrell had a 15-point 2nd half, and finished with 21 for the game on 9-of-20 shooting to lead the Hoosiers. All other Indiana players shot 16-for-46 (35%) combined. Ferrell voiced his frustration after the loss: “We have to stop being so soft. We come out with no energy and think it’s going to be easier than it is.”

Crean added: “They (Purdue) played well, but we put them in a position to do that by not making simple plays. We’ve got to continue to teach these guys how to simplify the game.”

For the second straight game, James Blackmon Jr. and Troy Williams were largely held in check. It’s tough for Indiana to win without production from those two players. “Troy Williams is their key,” Purdue Coach Matt Painter said. “When he’s active and scoring, they’re awfully tough to beat.” Williams finished with eight points, and the Hoosiers were a minus-26 for the game with him on the floor.

The Boilers also dominated the game from the foul line. They were 25-of-33 from the stripe for the game, while the Hoosiers were just 13-of-18.

After a 5-1 start in conference play, Indiana has dropped two straight to fall to 5-3. They will try to get back in the win column as they host Rutgers on Saturday at Assembly Hall. They will get another shot at rival Purdue in Bloomington on February 19th.