Purdue Basketball: What the Boilermakers Learned Against the Iowa Hawkeyes

The Purdue Boilermakers went into Iowa City expecting a victory and a possible shot of a one seed, along with a share of the Big Ten title.

The opponent was weaker, but the Boilermakers came out on the losing end on Saturday, with a final score of 67-65.

The Boilermakers had chances at the end of the game to take the lead, but just couldn't make the shots to keep it.

During their pre-game routine, the Boilermakers seemed uncharacteristically unfocused.

JaJuan Johnson scored 22 points, but was only 9-23 from the field.

The Boilermakers just were not on their game against the Hawkeyes. They were throwing up ill advised threes and just settling with long jumpers instead of running their offense against the Hawkeyes' zone.

Purdue took 25 jump shots and only hit a mere five of them.

As a team, the Boilermakers shot just 36.2 percent from the field and were out-rebounded 47-32. 

Here are a few things to take from this game.

James Evens serves as a National Featured Columnist for college football and basketball as well as the FC for the Purdue Boilermakers.  Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook.

The Boilermakers Aren't Invincible

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 13: Lewis Jackson #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers leads a fast break against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Assembly Hall on February 13, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. Purdue defeated Illinois 81-70. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Ima

This might actually end up being beneficial for the Boilermakers.  Purdue had not lost since they were blown out at Ohio State.  Maybe this win will knock the Boilermakers back to reality and allow them to gain their composure against weaker opponents.

It will be pivotal for the Boilermakers to come out focused in the Big Ten tournament and show they belong at the top.

Purdue Lives and Dies by the Three Pointer

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - DECEMBER 21: E ' Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers grabs a loose ball while defended by Jeremy Mixon #22 of the IPFW Mastodons during the game at Mackey Arena on December 21, 2010 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Andy

The statistic 5-25 from beyond the arc basically sums this up.  Three pointers are definitely a part of Purdue's game, but shooting 25 a game is a bit ridiculous, especially when the Boilermakers have one of the best post players in the nation in JaJuan Johnson.

Purdue would really benefit from taking less three's and hitting more, easier said than done though.

Purdue Struggles Against the Zone

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 09: E'Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers reaches for the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Big Ten Conference game at Mackey Arena on January 9, 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue won 75-52. (Photo by An

Matt Painter's teams have always had difficulties against the zone and Saturday was no different.  When the shots aren't falling, it's just hard to beat a zone.

More than likely the Boilermakers will be given a chance at redemption and face a zone in the Big Ten tournament, if not though, expect them to face one in the NCAA Tourney.

Rebounding Rebounding Rebounding

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 09: Travis Carroll #50 of the Purdue Boilermakers reaches for a rebound against Devon Archie #35 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Big Ten Conference game at Mackey Arena on January 9, 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue wo

Rebounding was a huge problem against the Hawkeyes.  Purdue was out-rebounded 47-32 and that is uncharacteristic for a top ten team.

Surely the Boilermakers will straighten this out in the coming week as they enter the post-season.

When Moore Doesn't Play Well, the Team Does Not Play Well

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 09: E'Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers drives against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Mackey Arena on January 9, 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue won 75-52. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

JaJuan Johnson gets a lot of the attention, but when E'Twaun Moore is not knocking down shots the Boilermakers struggle.

Sure Moore ended with 11 points, but it was a struggle to even get to that.  

It is essential for the Boilermakers that Moore gets going in the post-season or it will be an early exit for Purdue

Conclusion

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Matt Painter of the Purdue Boilermakers looks on against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Assembly Hall on February 13, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. Purdue defeated Illinois 81-70. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Purdue will get everything figured out during the Big Ten tournament.  After coming out flat against Iowa and playing like a mid-major, Matt Painter will have them fired up and ready to fight like Boilermakers.

Their time is now, and it's time for Purdue to live up to all the hype and great expectations.

Look for Purdue to play extremely well in the Big Ten tournament, which will propel them to a great run in the tournament.