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Iowa at Purdue: 2021-22 key storylines for Big Ten matchup opener

By Trevor Sinodhinos

Jan 30, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) dunks the ball during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) dunks the ball during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joe Toussaint Iowa Hawkeyes (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Fastbreak points

Simple math states that if you are able to get down the court before your 7’4 defender does, you will have an easier time scoring. This is the task that is in front of the Hawkeyes. In their one-point victory over Virginia, the Hawkeyes accrued 12 fast breakpoints. Just as it is important to not allow the Cavaliers to set up their Pack-Line Defense, it is equally as important to not let Edey – or even Williams for that matter – get into position to protect the rim.

For their part, the Boilermakers held Bellarmine to just two fastbreak points but were not as stingy versus tougher competition. Versus North Carolina, the Boilermakers surrendered 11, Villanova – known for their quality possessions – managed just two, and most recently on Tuesday, the Boilermakers improved to 7-0 with a 93-65 victory over Florida State while allowing six fastbreak points.

Since Purdue has the third-highest shooting percentage in the nation, due to so many shots coming in the paint, the fastbreak opportunities are going to have to initiate off of turnovers for the Hawkeyes. The problem there is the Boilermakers have Isaiah Thomas and Eric Hunter running the point, whose combined turnovers barely surpass one per game.

The two biggest turnover culprits for the Boilermakers are the postmen Edey and Williams, which makes fast-breaking more difficult when it starts under your own basket.  The turnovers – specifically from the point guards- will be something to watch.

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