Minnesota Basketball: Three Keys to beat Purdue after getting crushed 12 days ago

Where

The Barn

When

4:00 PM

How

ESPN2

Who

Purdue

The Gophers were at West Lafayette to close out January and Purdue ripped them by 19. Can they turn that game around and come away with a win? Here’s what it would take.

KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN

Get to the Free Throw Line - Here’s the strange thing, we actually shot the three pretty well on the road. Which is really what led to the first half lead. But we shot just 11 free throws to Purdue’s 24. This road game was our 2nd worst game in terms of getting to the line. This helps so much for our offense.

REBOUND - Purdue collected close to 50% of their own misses. That kind of 2nd chance opportunities is going to kill you, every time. The Gophers have got to play good defense that ends with a box out and defensive rebound. This may be THE KEY to the game.

Must stop Brandon Newman - Or any one player in particular who wants to have a career game. But it was Newman’s 29 points that really punished the Gophers in the first game. Make this entire team earn their points.

PREDICTION

I really don’t like how this team has been playing for the last 3-4 weeks. And although we are at home, I’m not going to pick them or get my hopes up until I see more consistent play on both ends of the floor.

This one will be closer, but I’m taking Purdue.

Minnesota - 70
Purdue - 74