BY: JILLIAN MILLER
MARCH 13, 2023
Before the season began, everyone had already counted Purdue out of the conversation for dominant teams. But, as soon as the season started, it was obvious that that was not the case. The Boilermakers got off to an incredible 22-2 start. They stayed atop the AP top 25 rankings for weeks. But as of late, something’s off about the dominant team. Games have slipped away late in the second half after the offense falters and defense can’t seem to muster up a stop.
On Sunday, Purdue played a desperate Illinois team, looking for a good seed in the upcoming Big 10 tournament. At halftime, the score was 47-26; the Boilermakers were up by 21 over the Illini, which is nearly unheard of in college basketball. It seemed like the game was in the bag after only 20 minutes of play. However, after halftime, the tides completely switched.
Illinois scored 45 points in the second half, closing the deficit to only five points when the final buzzer sounded. Very quickly, a 21 point deficit turned into a two point deficit, and Illinois made the score 76-71 when all was said and done. Purdue only scored 29 points in the second half due to stagnant offense and multiple unforced turnovers. Center Zach Edey battled heavy pressure and physical defense inside the paint and guards Mason Gillis and Braden Smith couldn’t get a three to fall, where it seemed like Illinois couldn’t miss.
What’s going on? Are teams figuring out how to guard Purdue’s 7’4 monster in the post? Are the Boilermakers giving up, or is it just some bad luck? Whatever’s going on, needs to be fixed before the postseason begins, Big 10 Tournament included. However the postseason plays out, though, Purdue has a lot to be proud of, especially during a “rebuilding” year.
The Pioneer Online 
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