Keys to the Game: Rutgers vs #5 Purdue (February 20, 2022)

(photo courtesy of The IndyStar)

Rutgers (16-9; 10-5) at #5 Purdue (23-4; 12-4)

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights passed another test this past Wednesday when they blitzed past #12 Illinois, and are riding a four-game winning streak, one which includes four wins over ranked opponents. Immediately from the tipoff, Rutgers took full control of the game against Illinois and never looked back. It is going to take a similar performance from Wednesday's game to beat the #5 Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on Sunday, February 20 (5:30 PM ET, FS1). Rutgers is playing with a lot of confidence right now, but they are playing with tenacity, physicality, and great team chemistry. The last time Rutgers and Purdue squared off, the Scarlet Knights upset the Boilermakers with a last second heave by Ron Harper Jr at the buzzer to win the game 70-68. 

However, that game was back in early December. Now it is February, and a lot has changed since then. Purdue is currently sitting in first place and have reeled off a slew of big wins. Despite their excellent record and first place position in the Big Ten, Purdue has struggled in their last three games, winning two out of three. They were blown out by Michigan 82-58; escaped with a win at home against Maryland 62-61; and had a very difficult time putting away Northwestern 70-64. Each one of these three teams forced one singular issue with Purdue. They made Purdue turnover the ball. Purdue is averaging 15 turnovers a game in their last three games.

Rutgers is currently riding a four-game winning streak against Purdue dating back to the 2019-20 season. Rutgers has shown it is capable of winning in one of the Big Ten's toughest environments. The Scarlet Knights did just that when they knocked off the Boilermakers 71-68 in OT at Mackey Arena during the 2019-20 season. This time around, Matt Painter, his players, and the fans may take this game very personal on Sunday. Purdue is tired of losing to Rutgers, and they will be expected to battle the Scarlet Knights with everything they got. If Rutgers were to pull off the unthinkable and upset the Boilermakers again this season, it would catapult the Scarlet Knights NET ranking and more than likely ensure an NCAA Tournament bid.

One question remains, and that is the status of Ron Harper Jr, who hurt his finger in the last couple of minutes in the game on Wednesday. He is listed as day-to-day and the injury does not appear to be too serious. Will he play in this game on Sunday or get rest to help his injured finger?

KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Do not be intimidated by Mackey - Mackey Arena is known to be one of the most difficult atmospheres to play in. Purdue's crowd is going to be loud, wild, and in a frenzy the entire game. This should come as no surprise to Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights should be used to this by now. The RAC is probably, if not, just as good of an atmosphere as Mackey. Rutgers must shake out the butterflies and not be intimidated by the hostile environment they are walking into. Rutgers must get off to a good solid start so they can prepare themselves to go blow for blow with Purdue. 
2. Force turnovers - Purdue has been very turnover prone in their last three games. Michigan, Maryland, and Northwestern all forced Purdue to commit a lot of turnovers. Purdue is averaging about 15 turnovers per game in their last three games. Caleb McConnell and Geo Baker have to force the issue, and swarm all over the court to grab steals and force bad passes.
3. Defend the perimeter - Rutgers has been excellent on the defensive side of the ball in their last four games. They have defended the perimeter very well, and this has to continue on Sunday evening. Purdue has an excellent group of three-point shooters. Sasha Stefanovic and Mason Gillis can be deadly from deep. Both players are averaging a combined 43% from deep. Rutgers can ill afford to let Purdue get hot from deep. Rutgers will have to pressure them on the perimeter and play very tight swarming defense.
4. Limit Jaden Ivey - Caleb McConnell has been up to the task in his last four games with guarding the best players on each team. Well, he has to guard Jaden Ivey on Sunday. Jaden Ivey is a fantastic versatile player who can shoot and rebound. Ivey is averaging 17 ppg, and McConnell is going to have to guard him real well and force him to take bad shots.
5. Rebound! Rebound! Rebound! - Purdue's player size is without a doubt much bigger than Rutgers. Zach Edey and Trevion Williams are monsters in the paint, and boxing out those two are going to be a big task for Cliff Omoruyi and Dean Reiber. Rutgers is going to have to get locked in and try to do whatever they can to scrap and pull down rebounds. Last time these two met, Purdue out rebounded Rutgers by a margin of 8. If Rutgers wants to have any success in winning this game, they are going to have be on the positive end of rebounding. Especially, when it comes to limiting Purdue with second chance opportunities on the glass.