As Michigan State Slumps, Purdue Bounces Out of East Lancing with Win

A white-out outside and inside of the Breslin Center wasn't enough to derail the Boilermakers in a prime-time time battle for the top of the Big Ten as they beat the Spartans 76 to 64. The highly tauted match-up of two of the Big Ten's elites far from disappointed. With both teams playing their patented "in your face" defense, it was definitely a brilliant match-up.

Purdue got out to a quick start by shooting an incredible 65 percent in the first half from the field. It was by far Purdue's best shooting performance of the year. Even after a decline after halftime in shooting, the Boilermakers ended up shooting 56 percent from the field, and 42 percent from the 3-point line.  

E'twaun Moore really took this game into his own hands. Slashing and dashing around the defense, and making clutch shots really proved to be the difference in this game. 

The Spartans just had no match for his play. Moore finished the game with 25 points and 6 assists. It is well known that Moore can shoot the rock, but his uncanny passing ability makes him something special.  He could easily be carrying a team on his back scoring 25+ every game, but his unselfish ability is truly special.

Besides Moore's uncanny ability to make clutch shots, Purdue rebounded the ball extremely well. I was very impressed with our rebounding as we out-rebounded Michigan State by 2. The Boilers had 27 rebounds, lead by JaJuan Johnson with 7.

Johnson was a dominating force last night. He truly is an unstoppable force on the post.  He is starting to go up strong with the ball, and his athleticism is truly unmatched by any big man in the big ten. Although he didn't have an amazing scoring night, he ended up with a solid 19 points, most of them either coming from electrifying dunks, or his ability to step out and sink a jumper.

Speaking of jumpers, Robbie Hummel had a somewhat quiet game. He stepped up and played great defense as usual, but didn't have to take as many threes as usual, due to a general great shooting night for the team. Hummel ended up with 15 points and is, no pun intended, the back bone of this team.  

Kelsey Barlow had yet another stellar game, under tremendous pressure from the Izzone. The 6'5" freshman guard, was the general of the team, and had no turnovers. His defense was great, even on the quicker Lucas.

One thing that separated this Boilermaker team from others last night, was their ability to shoot free throws.  Not pointed out much by the announcers, Purdue quietly went the night missing only 2 free throws. They where 20 of 22 from the line averaging almost 91 percent. Not only was this key down the stretch, but it got the crowd out of it at the end.

The game over all was a great match-up. Purdue's shooting proved the difference in this one. The red hot shooting made me think I was playing NBA Jam on my Nintendo 64. For a moment I thought the Spartans where going to collapse like Phil Mickelson at Winged Foot, but Michigan State never gave up. Down the stretch though, they just couldn't close the deal. The tough play by Lucas really fried up the Spartans, but it proved little too late in the end.

I look forward to seeing these two teams face again at the end of the month for another stellar match-up to possibly decide the Big Ten. The game day crew should be there, but won't be due to Digger Phelps' hatred for Purdue.  Do not sweat though Digger, the feeling is definitely mutual.

Purdue's schedule still is not cake from here, but I don't see them losing more than one more game.  That game could either be Minnesota, who surprisingly has a decent team, or when the Boilermakers go to Ohio State to get revenge on the Buckeyes and the great Evan Turner.  

The Boilers will win the Big Ten outright this year. I see them winning the tournament as well, but we all know what can happen during the tournament.

Either way this was a great victory for the Boilermakers and the race is on for the Big Ten Title.