Purdue Basketball: Keys to taking down Texas Tech in the Sweet 16

Interior toughness

The latest reports suggest that 7’2″, 290-pound center Isaac Haas is unlikely to play in the Sweet 16. Even if he is to suit up, it is unlikely that the senior would have the impact Purdue fans are accustomed to him having on the floor.

With this void, the Boilermakers must receive contributions in the paint on both sides of the court from unexpected places. Backup Matt Haarms is a talented player and can run the floor, but he has not yet fully developed physically to be the force that Purdue needs in the middle.

This means that guards need to step up and play a gritty game if Purdue wants to maintain the advantage that they have in this matchup on the interior. With Haas, the Boilermakers would want to attack in the paint against the undersized Texas Tech interior. But without Haas, Purdue will need to find others, such as Vincent Edwards, to post up and play the type of game they want to play.

Rebounding will also be key in this game and toughness inside is essential. The guards for Purdue are going to need to box out and come down with tough rebounds if Haas is indeed absent. They will also need to keep an eye on Niem Stevenson, one of the Red Raiders’ most active forwards.