NU hosts Purdue on national TV

the 12-4 Boilers come to town off a home win vs. Wisconsin, although Purdue's #14 ranking is more a product of their preseason top 10 slot than how they've actually played this year. aside from the defensive clinic they put on against Steph Curry in December, Sunday's win vs. the Badgers is the only one of note. they've only played two road games: a 30 point snoozer at 7-7 Ball State and a three point loss @ State College.

NU's guards will have to keep pace with Chris Kramer, and Nemanja Calasan gives them good energy inside. (let's hope Calasan can keep his Bosnia-Herzegovinaness away from Peljusic, Mirkovic and Coach Vujic.) Robbie Hummell is Purdue's leading rebounder and do-everything man. he plays a style similar to Kevin Coble and is equally as white, although much quicker and stronger.

surely, what is NOT the cure for the Wildcats' shooting/scoring woes is a tough Purdue defense. if they can hold down Tyrese Rice, who lit up UNC each of the last two years, what chance does our slow and at times poorly shooting backcourt have? and of course, the Trib is painting its usual picture of doom and gloom. that said, tonight is probably NU's best chance at a win until the IU game in two weeks, since next up is a red-hot Gophers squad followed by road games at MSU and UM.

tonight the worldwide leader sends Dave O'Brien and Steve Lavin to Evanston. as long as we can avoid any Dave O'Brien World Cup flashbacks and Steve Lavin brings his wife, it should be a good time for everyone. Mrs. Lavin is almost good enough to make me forget about Erin Andrews. almost.