Purdue Basketball: Takeaways from Boilermakers in Big Ten tournament

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 11: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts a shot over John Harrar #21 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of a Men's Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 11, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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Purdue head coach Matt Painter Bkc Purdue Vs Indiana /

Purdue Basketball’s many failures in the NCAA tournament have remained consistent under current head coach Matt Painter. Even though Matt Painter has won three Big Ten titles since 2010, the Boilermakers have only made it to four Sweet Sixteen’s and one Elite Eight since 2000. Though these numbers are not atrocious, there is no doubt that Purdue has gained a reputation of choking in big moments.

Purdue fans have reason to worry about the NCAA tournament

As early as their first game in the conference tournament, it was clear that the Boilermakers may have more troubles in the big dance. Purdue came into their matchup with Penn State heavily favored — yet the game remained within one point with only a few minutes remaining in the game. When it was all said and done, the Boilermakers managed to pull off a win, 69-61.

Though any win in March is considered an achievement, the game itself felt too close for comfort.

After all, Penn State entered the game with a 14-16 record and had not done much to impress anyone since defeating Ohio State on March 10th.

Could Penn State have peaked at the right time? Maybe, but it is more likely that Purdue needs to find their rhythm once again to make a meaningful run in the coming NCAA tournament. In fact, all three of Purdue’s games in the conference tournament felt too close for comfort, eventually losing to Iowa in their final game.

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