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Purdue 72, tOSU 80 (Final, OT)

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Dispatch

OSU men's basketball: Purdue's defense presents real test
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 2:59 AM
By Bill Rabinowitz

The Ohio State men's basketball team has shot better than 50 percent in six of its past seven games.

Making it 7 of 8 tonight against No. 12 Purdue in Value City Arena would be quite a feat. Such is the task for any team facing the Boilermakers' rugged defense.

Purdue (17-4, 6-2) has allowed opponents to make only 36 percent of their shots, best in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers have allowed only 57.4 points per game, second-fewest behind Illinois.

"They're extremely physical," Ohio State coach Thad Matta said. "They're going to get up and bang. They're good at keeping guys in front of them. They've got a real system in their half-court defense. They run guys in there and keep the pressure pretty fresh on you."

Ohio State (15-5, 5-4) shot 60 percent last week in victories over Michigan and Indiana, but those might be the two worst defensive teams in the league. The Hoosiers simply didn't have the athletes to match up against Ohio State, particularly Big Ten player of the week Evan Turner and freshman William Buford.

Purdue does.

"They pressure the ball extremely well and try to (get) turnovers and get you out of your comfort zone on offense," sophomore guard Jon Diebler said.

Though point guard Jeremie Simmons will bear the brunt of that on-ball pressure, the heat is also on Ohio State's post players. The Buckeyes scored a season-high 93 points against Indiana despite getting no points from Dallas Lauderdale or B.J. Mullens.

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Dispatch

OSU-Purdue preview
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 2:59 AM
By Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

OHIO STATE VS. PURDUE
7 tonight
? Where: Value City Arena
? TV: ESPN
? Radio: WBNS-AM (1460), WBNS-FM (97.1)
? Records: Ohio State 15-5, 5-4 Big Ten; Purdue 17-4, 6-2

? Matchup to watch: Purdue's suffocating defense against Ohio State's potent offense. Despite playing most of the second half without five of their usual top eight players because of illness or injury, Purdue held Michigan to 23 points in the final 20 minutes for a comfortable victory Saturday. Ohio State is riding the strong play of Big Ten player of the week Evan Turner and the consistent production of freshman William Buford to put up big offensive numbers. When Jon Diebler gets hot and Jeremie Simmons takes care of the basketball, the Buckeyes are formidable. But Ohio State must get some scoring from big men Dallas Lauderdale and B.J. Mullens.

? Notable: Purdue has won six straight despite being hit hard by injuries and illness. Point guard Lewis Jackson (concussion) didn't play against Michigan. Guard Chris Kramer was knocked unconscious by an elbow to the nose by Manny Harris, though he returned. Forward Robbie Hummel played despite back spasms and guard Keaton Grant and center JaJuan Johnson have been battling flu-like symptoms. ... Ohio State has not lost to Purdue in Value City Arena in five games since the building opened for the 1998-99 season. ... Diebler made his 100th career three-pointer against Indiana on Sunday. He is making 42 percent of his three-pointers this season, up from 28.9 percent as a freshman last season.
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I think that we almost have to win this game or Saturday's home game against Minnesota to get into the dance unless we would make a very good run in the Big 10 tournament.

The Buckeyes will have to be very strong with the ball because Purdue and Minnesota both put a lot of pressure on the ball. We can not be sloppy and turn the ball over very much or we will be in deep trouble in both games.

Saying that, my money is on the Buckeyes tonight at home.:io:
 
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