I haven't done a running diary in quite some time, but I've been watching a lot of Purdue and Chicago Bull basketballs. Seems like a waste, right? When I saw the #4 Purdue Boilermakers were heading to Columbus, Ohio to face a white-hot #12 Ohio State Buckeyes team, I jumped at the opportunity. Plus, when you get a chance to see the nation's second-best player in Evan Turner, you have to watch, right?
Just be forewarned: I graduated from Purdue just over a year ago, and I will make no apologies for being entirely one-sided in Running Diary-ing this game. And as a former Michigan fan, I am not sure I can think of a sports program I've rooted as often or intensely as I've rooted against Ohio State. Know that going in.
This should be fun. Let's go to the game:
Tipoff: 5:30 - First play of the game: JaJuan SWATS David Lighty and the ball goes out of bounds. Huge swat, but can't he just tip that to a teammate? As injury-plagued as Greg Oden's pro career has been, he was the one defender I've seen that can tip those blocks away to his teammates. I don't know why more players don't do that. Its the most underrated skill in basketball.
17:32: Pretty slow start so far, so now is the time to mention that, while not perfect, both national rankings for these two teams properly rate these teams. In NCAA Tournament talk, Purdue is a borderline #1/2 seed, and OSU is a classic underrated #3/4 team. OSU ranked so low because of key losses while Turner was out. When Turner is in they're a Top Ten Team.
15:00: JaJuan Johnson hits a big jumper to put Purdue up 11-4. Timeout, Ohio State. Johnson's jumper has been the biggest development of this season. E'Twuan may be the toughest guard in the post. Johnson may be the toughest big man from 15 feet out. Throw in Hummel's versatility, Purdue makes a tough defensive match-up for any team in the country.
13:42: Just wondering: whats going on in Columbus that there's hundreds of visible empty seats at this game? It's not like they go to class out there or anything.
12:00: Announcers bring up the most underrated stat of the game: Turner leads the Big Ten in rebounding as a guard at just above nine per game. Wow, I can't wait till he turns pro and gets out of the Big Ten.
8:40: The Big Ten Network shows Gene Hackman Thad Matta for the first time this game. Every time I see Thad Matta coaching, I wonder if Dennis Hopper drunk in the second row behind the bench.
6:31: Purdue's Keaton Grant hits a three with as he's fouled+ as four OSU players stand under the basket in disbelief. Things are not going well early on for the Buckeyes. Good times.
4:34: Hummel out-hustles everyone on the floor for a rebound. On the same possession, E'Twuan Moore hits another 3. That's why you box out! 29-14 Boilers.
2:45: Johnson jumps REAL high and gets an alleyoop from Kramer. I really hope no NBA talent scouts saw that, I'd really enjoy another year of Hummel-Moore-Johnson.
END OF HALF: 36-23 Purdue. The momentum has entirely been in Purdue's favor this whole, save for Evan Turner who has 13 of OSU's 23 points in the half. He has an incredible first step that makes him incredibly hard to guard. It looks like he can cover 7-8 feet with that first-step. Crazy. (Now I guess is as good of a time as any to mention Turner's nickname given by one of his OSU teammates:"The Villain". It's perfect, he's good and easy to root against.)
Another side note: I actually enjoy the Big Ten Network's announcing and halftime crew. There's not a ton of the over-laughing and you can tell they do their homework.
19:23: Boilers start out the half with a steal and huge dunk for Johnson. He's just dominating the Buckeye big men tonight. Jim Jackson, one of the Big Ten Announcers casually says, "And that's not how you want to start a half if you're Ohio State." Thanks, Jim! Forget about what I jus said
14:52: Turner gets another foul called for him, completing the three-point-play. 43-34 Ohio State. Momentum clearly in favor of Ohio State this half. Turner hits a three-pointer on the next possession. He is unreal. Just unstoppable, even with Purdue's stellar defense.
12:12: Johnson hits another big jumper as Purdue takes the 48-39 lead. Johnson/Moore have 37 of Purdue's 48. Turner has 28 of OSU's 39. Big game for the stars of the Big Ten.
10:58: Hummel reenters the game with 0 points for the first time since 18:34 kn the second half. It's not like he's taken a lot of shots and missed-- he's 0-1. He's just been on the opposite side of the court whenever Purdue makes a play. Meanwhile Buford hits a three to bring he score to 48-44. I may need a drink.
9:44: Buford hits another 3. NO! It's a 2! 48-46. Timeout Purdue as BTN pans around all the OSU fans who showed up with their faces painted. My head hurts.
8:00: Hummel hits his first shot, a long 2! Good to see him break that scoreless streak and me break my fist-pump-less streak, which had extended to about 18 minutes.
5:08: Keaton Grant hits a HUGE drive for Purdue. 56-48 Purdue. That may be the shot that deals the game.
1:40: Kind of a sloppy game for both of these teams. Lots of turnovers. Hummel fouls Turner, who only hits 1 of the two free throws. Boilers lead 58-53 in what should be a HUGE win for Purdue, especially for a team that got four points from Robbie Hummel.
0:58: I feel like I wasted a lot of opportunities to make Gene Hackman - Thad Matta jokes. I need to come out with a better effort next time.
0:52: Turner hits a big shot with under a minute left after Kramer misses a big free throw. Buckeyes down three! Purdue can't blow this...can they?
0:00: Wow. What an exciting ending to a game! Buford went in for a layup, Kramer blocked him all the way to the three point line, where an OSU player tossed it over to Diebler for the tie as time runs out and he misses! 60-57 - I'm so happy Purdue won.
A full (real) recap and box score can be found by clicking here or visiting PurdueSports.com.