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Purdue Basketball: 3 keys for the Boilermakers against Michigan State

By Adam Childs

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - DECEMBER 20: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts after a three point basket during the game against the Ohio Bobcats at Mackey Arena on December 20, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - DECEMBER 20: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts after a three point basket during the game against the Ohio Bobcats at Mackey Arena on December 20, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Ryan Cline #14 of the Purdue Boilermakers drives to the basket against the Butler Bulldogs in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Ryan Cline #14 of the Purdue Boilermakers drives to the basket against the Butler Bulldogs in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Control the boards

Nick Ward is an absolute beast inside for the Spartans and he is definitely not afraid of contact. He is very good at getting offensive and defensive rebounds. He is averaging just over six rebounds a game and, with Kenny Goins (9.3 rpg) and Xavier Tillman (7.9 rpg) as well, the Spartans can completely control the boards in any game.

The Boilermakers have the size in seven-footer Haarms and 6’8″ Boudreaux to neutralize the Spartans, but they have to be tough inside. Like we mentioned, the big guys for the Spartans are not afraid of contact and will mix it up inside. It will be a tough assignment for the Boilermakers but if they want to win the game, they have to win the rebound battle.

The Spartans live on getting second-chance points and also running off of defensive rebounds. The more the Boilermakers can limit that, the better they will be. If Purdue cannot keep Ward and company off the boards, it could be a long day.

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