TIME / TV: 1:30 ET on CBS
Last year, Purdue welcomed West Virginia into Mackey Arena on New Years Day, in a battle of unbeatens. Then-fourth ranked Purdue embarrassed then-sixth ranked West Virginia, 77-62.
Today, West Virginia will look to return the favor, though neither team is undefeated, West Virginia would like to do nothing more, than blow out Purdue, at home, and show the country what they are made of. They will also be looking for a signature non-conference resume win.
It won't be easy, Purdue is coming off a loss, and they will be just as hungry as West Virginia. E'Twaun Moore and Ryne Smith look to get back on track, after being shut off in the three point Minnesota loss last Thursday.
West Virginia lost many key players from last year's final four team. It could hurt them, or they could be fine in this game. They are said to have one of the best home court advantages in all of the country.
In last years matchup, they had no answer for JaJuan Johnson. With the loss of key players form last year, it is possible that they still may have no answer for Johnson. They are a lot smaller than they were in years previous.
Purdue needs to crash the boards in this game. Outrebound WVU, and you are more than likely going to win. I do not think this will be a case like last game where Purdue outrebounded Minnesota by 10 and still lost. Win the rebounding battle, and I think you win.Purdue needs to find a way to get Ryne Smith open, if he starts knocking threes in, West Virginia could be in trouble.
Purdue has one of the best defenses in the country. They need to suffocate the Mountaineers. If they are successful, it will go a long way in this one.
This win, would go far for both teams from a national standpoint. Both teams would like to get this win. The crowd will be pumped for this game. They want revenge. They are out for blood. If Purdue finds a way to take the crowd out of it, they could possibly end up rolling in this one.
You may not know what you are going to get with West Virginia though, they have been up and down all season. They have some great wins. Today, they will be looking to add Purdue to the win column, but the Boilermakers surely won't go down with out a fight.