Game Preview | #2 Alabama at #14 Purdue | How to Watch

Game Preview | #2 Alabama at #14 Purdue | How to Watch

(Photo by imagn)

One of the best games of the season happens Friday night in Mackey Arena

#2 Alabama (3-0) heads into Mackey Arena Friday night to take on #14 Purdue (3-0) in one of the most anticipated non-conference games of the season.

Purdue got the best of Alabama last season, but both teams ended their season in Phoenix, making it to the Final Four before falling to the National Champion UConn Huskies.

While Purdue lost Zach Edey, Alabama returns its star from last season, Mark Sears, who scored 35 points again Purdue in a losing effort.

Both teams are undefeated three games into the 2024-25 campaign and have their eyes set on returning to the Final Four.

While Purdue and Matt Painter might have a reputation for defense in Mackey Arena, if personnel and early season results are any indications, this Purdue team will thrive on the offensive end all season.

Despite early season shooting struggles, Alabama is and will be right there challenging for the best offense in college basketball.

This game has the potential to be one of the highest scoring of the season. Elite offense, untested defenses, and two of the best point guards in the country will square off in West Lafayette on Friday Night.

Purdue will also put its non-conference regular season win streak on the line. Purdue’s won 38 straight non-conference games, the fifth longest streak in NCAA history.

Will the streak succumb to the Crimson Tide?

Purdue’s defense hangs in the spotlight

Matt Painter hasn’t been thrilled with his defense to start the season. The problem lies in two categories: containing the dribble and grabbing rebounds.

Both will be focuses for a Purdue team that’s still trying to adjust to playing defense without Zach Edey to erase mistakes at the rim.

But with an offense as good and powerful as Alabama’s, defense might start at the other end.

“When you face just a dynamic offensive team, you can’t hurst yourself,” Painter said Thursday. “If you want to…

Source link : https://purdue.rivals.com/news/game-preview-2-alabama-at-14-purdue-how-to-watch?yptr=yahoo

Author : Boiler Upload

Publish date : 2024-11-15 15:36:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.