Virginia Tech Hokies (4-2, 0-0) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (5-1, 0-0)
Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010
Place: Cassell Coliseum (9,847), Blacksburg, Va.
TV: ESPN
Radio: VT ISP, XM 143, Sirius 122
Spread: Virginia Tech -1
Game Info: Stats, VT Notes (PDF), Purdue Notes (PDF)
I'll be around and on The Twitter. Let's get an much-needed non-conference win, shall we?
What to Watch: The Boilermakers are a mirror-image of the Hokies so far this season. They play tough, physical defense but things just aren't clicking for them on offense. Most people are pointing to the loss of forward Robbie Hummel, who could do a little bit of everything for Purdue. He was its best outside scoring threat and the Boilers' three-point shooting has suffered in his absence. However, they still have a pair of good guards in E'Twaun Moore and Lewis Jackson and a nearly un-guardable big man in JaJuan Johnson.
Johnson will provide the biggest challenge for the Hokies because of his height and length. We really don't have anyone who can matchup with him. His quickness is likely to get Jeff Allen in foul trouble and his size will give Terrell Bell a tough time. Because of Purdue's outside shooting woes, I expect the Hokies to either play a lot of zone or sag down and double team him, leaving the Boilermakers' shooters open outside. If Purdue is cold from behind the arc, that will be good news for the Hokies. If the Boilers are hitting, it could be a long night.
Purdue is No. 16 according to Ken Pomeroy's rankings and has also ranks No. 6 in defensive efficiency and No. 46 in offensive efficiency.
Other Previews
Blogging the Bracket: Hokies need this one.
Hammer and Rails: Purdue is the better team.
SBN Indiana: Boilers need to convince nation they can play without Hummel.
Tech Sideline: Don't expect a lot of scoring.
Inside the Cassell: Look for Dorenzo Hudson to have a good game.
Tech Hoops: Hokies have to avoid turnovers.
Daily Hokie: Virginia Tech should prevail.