Purdue coach Matt Painter thinks incoming freshman Rapheal Davis falls into Chris Kramer’s category.FORT WAYNE – Purdue has had almost a week to prepare for Indiana.
Coach Matt Painter would have liked the schedule to shake out a slightly different way.
“I’d prefer to play (a game in the middle of the week),” Painter said during the Big Ten teleconference Monday. “I like staying in a routine. But sometimes it can help a team, especially if you’re banged up.
“We’ve been banged up a little bit, so hopefully it can help you from a physical standpoint. But it’s the old argument, what means more really from a mental standpoint is more important than from a physical standpoint. I like playing every Wednesday-Saturday and staying on a routine because I think it keeps you mentally sharp.”
The Boilermakers (15-7, 5-4 Big Ten) last played Sunday, winning at Northwestern 58-56. The next game is today at home against the No. 20 Hoosiers. Painter said the effect of the layoff can go either way.
“Anytime that you have guys that are mature and experienced and play hard, I don’t think it bothers them. Some times when you have some young guys, guys that haven’t been through it, the time off can actually hurt you instead of help you,” Painter said.
“It just depends on what team you’re coaching, and a lot of times as a coach you don’t know. You do your best to prepare for them and watch their game during the week and see if anything changes with their most recent game.”
Not much went right early in Indiana’s most recent game.
Michigan scored the first 13 points on the way to a 68-56 victory Wednesday at Crisler Arena.
“Our start at Michigan was so uncharacteristic of us,” Indiana coach Tom Crean said Friday. “This will be a real battle of movement and spacing against Purdue.”
The Hoosiers (17-6, 5-6) might be without starting guard Verdell Jones III, who suffered a bruised shoulder Wednesday. He’ll be a game-day decision.
“He is receiving treatment on his right shoulder (bruised), and we will have a better idea about his ability to play then,” Crean said. “Verdell is experienced enough that we need to allow him to get better so he can be game-ready.”
Purdue has won the last four meetings at Mackey Arena. Indiana’s last victory in West Lafayette came in 2006.
“It’s definitely a big game, but every game in the Big Ten is huge for us,” Indiana junior guard Jordan Hulls said. “Any road win that we can get would be really good for us. It’s just something that we have to try and get done.
“… We just treat every game the same way, and once it’s in Big Ten, every game is basically a rivalry game.”
Note: Troy Lewis will be honored at halftime with the formal dedication of his banner. A three-time All-Big Ten selection, Lewis had 2,038 career points 1985-88 and led the Boilers to Big Ten championships in 1987 and 1988.
