Deacons’ size, experience may test Boilers
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 12/01/2009
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The Purdue men’s basketball team knows this could be the year the Big Ten finally wins a Big Ten/ACC Challenge.
For that to happen, the No. 4 Boilers (5-0) will need to win their matchup tonight with Wake Forest. The Big Ten didn’t win any of the first 10 Challenges, and the ACC has a 42-20 edge over the last six years. The Big Ten did come close last year, however, losing six games to five.
All the Purdue team is focused on, however, is Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons are coming off a surprise loss to William and Mary on Saturday, a game during which they shot just 35 percent from the field.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re not a threat, Purdue coach Matt Painter told reporters Monday.
“I think Wake is obviously a very good team,” he said. “They have experience; any time you have a handful of guys who have been through the battles and been road tested through the years it’s really going to help you when you go on the road.”
More than anything, Painter thinks the Deacons are still just trying to figure out how to play without James Johnson and Jeff Teague, both of whom were selected in the first round of the NBA draft in June.
The presence of six seniors makes that transition easier, though.
“Obviously there’s some adjustment when you lose two first-round picks, and it’s not easy, but they do have some experience back,” Painter said. “They’re kind of finding their way and establishing the roles.”
The Boilers will face likely their toughest rebounding test yet, as Wake (4-1) brings in five guys who stand at least 6-foot-9, including two 7-footers and two players at 6-foot-11. That doesn’t bode well for the Boilers, who have struggled to rebound at times this season.
“They’re a real athletic team who is big and physical: They’ve got a few 6-foot-10 and 6-foot-11 guys. We definitely have to rebound and play hard, but rebounding will be a key,” junior guard E’Twaun Moore said.
Purdue and Wake Forest tip off at 7 p.m. tonight in Mackey Arena. The game will be televised on ESPN.
Purdue will unveil its 2009 Big Ten Tournament Champion banner 15 minutes before the tip, and fans are asked to come early to see the banner unveiling as well as some other presentations.