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

Be able to run set plays successfully in crunch time.

Purdue can control the pace, remain tough on the interior, out rebound, and outshoot the Red Raiders, yet still find themselves in a competitive game down the stretch. After all, that’s exactly what happened in their second-round contest with Butler. The Boilermakers have been known to go through dry spells and struggle at the free throw line. As a result, they have had to play well late in games despite outplaying an opponent for the majority of the game. A classic example, the Butler game.

Texas Tech is a strong team, especially defensively, and since they do have the ability to score quickly, it isn’t likely that Purdue will be able to put this game out of reach before the final five minutes. So execution down the stretch is critical. Purdue cannot have another scoreless three minute stretch in the final five minutes like they did against Butler to allow their opponent back into the game.

The good news for the Boilermakers is that one of their strengths is coaching with Matt Painter and his staff. Plus, with four seniors on the floor for much of the game, the effectiveness of coaching is maximized by a group of players who can listen effectively.

Next: Ranking the Sweet 16 teams

Even with all this working for Purdue, though, nothing can simulate the stakes of the late stages of a Sweet 16 game. Since the Boilermakers have had more 20+ point victories than any power conference team in the country, winning close games does not come easily. It is very likely that this game will be close, and it is very likely to come down to these final possessions. Purdue needs to be confident and composed on both ends of the floor when this happens.