Saint Peter's Basketball: 3 keys to victory against Purdue in Sweet 16

Saint Peter’s Basketball: 3 keys to victory against Purdue in Sweet 16

By Jon Surratt | Mar 22, 2022

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 17: Head coach Shaheen Holloway of the Saint Peter's Peacocks looks on in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 17, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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Oscar Tshiebwe Kentucky Wildcats KC Ndefo Saint Peter’s Basketball (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Defense

The main reason Saint Peter’s has gotten to this point has been their defense. The team ranked first in the MAAC and 19th in the country, allowing only 62.2 points per game while ranking 28th in KenPom defensive efficiency. team also has three-time MAAC defensive player of the year KC Ndefo controlling the paint with other lengthy defenders in the Drame twins on the perimeter.

Although this is a mid-major program, the team has a defense that has shown on the national stage to limit some of the best offenses in the country like Murray State and Kentucky. However, the team will need to step it up even more so against the vaunted Boilermakers offense if the Peacocks look to advance. Every game so far the team has had to play the game of its life, so why stop now?

Although Ndefo lacks about seven inches on Edey, he’ll have to really get in his grill and force tough inside shots while limiting the outside shots which Purdue can also do well, shooting 38.8% from behind the arc. It’ll be a tough ask but Saint Peter’s defense is what has gotten the team here so far and it cannot let up now.