Round One: Purdue vs Michigan State

A winter storm warning is in effect for East Lansing, Michigan tonight, although the snow is hitting the city, it isn't the only thing that will give the college town trouble.  A rough and tumble group of hard-nosed Boilermakers come into town to face the hometown Spartans.

That is right, it is time for the recently bitter rivalry, as the number 6 Boilermakers will face the 10th ranked Spartans.  The game is monstrous for both teams.  The Boilermakers can make their win streak six, and take a share for the top spot of the Big Ten with a victory. 

The game, however, is just as big, if not bigger, for the Spartans.  After losing to Wisconsin and Illinois, the Spartans will be looking for a big win to bounce back into the winning ranks again.

It is well documented that the Spartans are not 100 percent, as they are missing their star guard Kalin Lucas. 

Lucas, the flashy junior guard who has been averaging 15.6 points a game, has been the bread and butter of this team all year, and without him, they have lost their identity of sorts.  After he sat out in the game against Illinois, expect him to play against the Boilermakers. Also expect the Boilermakers to go after Lucas tonight, especially when they switch to the zone to try to slow Moore and Johnson. 

With the injury to Lucas, expect the Spartans to need a spark from Korie Lucious. Lucious, a 5-11 sophomore who is averaging a slim 5.1 points and 3.8 assists per game, must step up for the Spartans to pull this out.  He must limit the turnovers and make smart decisions with the ball, against the tough man on man help defense played by Matt Painter.

Tonight is going to be a tough match up for the Boilermakers.  Believe it or not, it has been since Brian Cardinal's Sophomore season (1997-1998), since the Boilermakers have won in East Lansing.  This match-up will be no easier.

The Boilers have been struggling this year with rebounding, and tonight rebounding will be the key to this game.  Rebounding on both ends will be important as every possession will be important. Expect E'Twaun Moore to have yet another solid game, but also expect us to get Johnson involved quickly. 

The key to this game will be exploiting the match-up problem on Lucas.  Lucas will have difficulty defending because of his ankle, expect nothing else than for him to be matched up with the defensive lock-down master, Chris Kramer.  Purdue should exploit this matchup by getting Kramer quick hits to the rim, and wearing out Lucas.

Count on, the criticized Kelsey Barlow, to step up and have another big effort for the Boilers.  His defense has been very shut down lately, he is the future of this program.

Hummel will also need to step up, if Purdue is to win this one.  The Boilers will need his outside shooting to shutdown the Izzone.  The crowd is always a factor when playing Michigan State and I expect nothing less tonight.

This game will be tough for Purdue to win, but i feel like this team is going to do it.  It will be sure to be an exciting game although Purdue will win by seven.  

65-72 Purdue.