Maryland Basketball: What Terrapins must do to beat Purdue on Christmas

Better defense

As with most of the previous Boilermakers teams, this year’s Purdue team will look to shoot the three-ball. Purdue has always been a streaky shooting team. When Purdue is shooting lights out from the three-point line, they in most cases are hard to beat, as Purdue is fourth in the Big 10 in three-point shooting percentage at .388 percent, second in three-point field goals made (71), and second in three-point field goals attempted (183). In particular, Purdue guard Stefanovic is shooting .520 (26-50) from the three-point line.

So, what must Maryland do? Maryland must play Maryland basketball and play hard-nosed defense and create turnovers. Maryland is known for its defensive pressure and they will need it in this game. As the best defense against the three-point shot is causing turnovers. If Maryland can cause some turnovers and make critical shots in the transition game, then Maryland has a shot to win this game.

Purdue has had 16 or more turnovers in four out of seven games this season and Purdue has really struggled in those games. This year’s Maryland team has added a new wrinkle to its defensive arsenal, as it now has an impressive full-court press, as Maryland has the athletic ability and the length to make this effective as well.

Maryland needs to force turnovers, as well as playing its full-court press to its advantage in negating Purdue getting into a hot shooting streak from the three-point line.