Heading into tonight’s Purdue basketball game against Minnesota, the Boilermakers find themselves looking down on everyone else in the Big Ten Conference.
Purdue has an opportunity to stretch that view tonight when it hosts a Minnesota team that comes into Mackey Arena 15-8, 6-6 after a mixed start to February. The Golden Gophers knocked off Michigan State, 59-56, on Feb. 6 and then built a 20-point lead at Iowa before losing 90-85. In that game, standout Dawson Garcia scored 18 points before having to leave with an injury. This is the only regular season meeting between the two.
“Their guard play has really helped them on both ends of the court. (Elijah) Hawkins leads nation in assists. Their guards have really played well. They’ve got a good crew of guys, got good depth and they are getting better each game and evolving. It will be a challenge for us,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said of Minnesota.
Hawkins leads the nation in assists per game with 7.6 and is fifth nationally in total assists. In addition, Minnesota has gotten strong play out of Cam Christie, who has posted four straight double digit games. The freshman is averaging 11.3 points and is second on the team in three point baskets. In the win over Michigan State, he posted 19 points and added 15 in the loss against Iowa.
As for Garcia, Painter said he is defend because of his ability to stretch defenses.
“Dawson Garcia has size and shoot threes but he can also post up. Good front line player and a guy who has a lot of experience,” Painter said.
Purdue basketball enters at 22-2 and 11-2 in the Big Ten. In addition, the Boilers have posted eight straight wins and are a perfect 12-0 inside the confines of Mackey Arena.
Leading the way is reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey, who is averaging 23.3 points and 11.7 rebounds, while Purdue basketball has also gotten strong play from guards Lance Jones and Braden Smith, who are averaging 12.8 and 12.7 points per game, respectively.
As for what it will take to earn a win, Painter said several things need to happen.
“Try to bottle up Hawkins. He’s elusive, good quickness. You can take bad shots, he’s going to get into transition. Take care of the basketball, take good shots and try to set up your defense,” Painter said.
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