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Purdue Basketball: Five storylines to follow for the 2017 Big Ten Tournament

By Bryce Bennett

Feb 28, 2017; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) stands along the foul line during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Indiana 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) stands along the foul line during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Indiana 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers basketball head coach Matt Painter looks on from the bench during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Purdue defeated Penn State 74-70. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers basketball head coach Matt Painter looks on from the bench during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Purdue defeated Penn State 74-70. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

What are the things to follow for Purdue basketball as they try to sweep the Big Ten regular season title and conference tournament?

The Purdue Boilermakers enter the Big Ten Conference Tournament as the league’s best team and most hopeful shot for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament a week later.

Purdue (25-6, 14-4) entered this season expected to compete towards the top of the Big Ten, but there were questions after having to replace key players A.J. Hammons and Rapheal Davis.

The Boilermakers answered those questions and then some, with a campaign this season that will likely eclipse 2015-16’s 26-win total. The Boilermakers have done it through an offense that can beat teams inside and outside and a top-20 KenPom defense. The defensive stats are particularly surprising given the lack of rim protection and athleticism on the perimeter.

At the center of Purdue, is forward Caleb Swanigan. The sophomore power forward improved immensely from his freshman season and leads the Boilermakers with 18 points per game and 12 rebounds. He is Purdue’s best candidate for National Player of the Year since Glenn Robinson in 1994. Any chance of a deep March run will run through him.

This week, Purdue will try to sweep the conference regular-season title and the tournament title for the first time in school history. Check out some storylines to follow for the top-seeded Boilermakers this week in Washington D.C.

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