Basketball Preview: Purdue at Eastern Michigan - December 8th - 2:00 pm - ESPN3

On Saturday afternoon the Boilers take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles again, but this time in basketball!  I'm personally sick of emus this year, but at least we have their number.

Jimmy Clausen again?  Really?

Why Purdue Will Win -  Honestly, this game has the potential to be a horrible loss for the Boilers.  But why will they win? Technically the Boilers have a lot more talent and should be able to outplay the Eagles, but it will take actually making some three point attempts and mid-range jumpers in order to shoot over zone.      The Boilers could also help their offensive cause by forcing turnovers and scoring in transition, and EMU is prone to giving the ball away.  Sure, sure are the Boilers this year, but the issue won't be stopping the Eagles, it will be scoring on them.  Fingers crossed DJ Byrd keeps up his hot streak in road games.

Why Eastern Michigan Will Win -  EMU employs a Syracuse-style zone defense.  We all know the Boilers have trouble shooting this season, and one of the few ways to beat that zone is to shoot out of it.  If the shots aren't falling, Purdue may have trouble scoring, since the zone might shut down the inside.  That, combined with playing at home, where they are undefeated this season, could lead to a frustrating night for the good guys and an EMU victory.

One thing you absolutely need to know before the game -  The game is on ESPN3, which is free online for cable subscribers.  So get a cheap cord, hook your laptop to your giant HDTV, and watch in style.  Or do what I'll probably do and lay on the coach with my computer on my belly inches from my face or carry it around precariously while I play with my kids.  At least it's not on the Big Ten Digital Network!

Our Picks - We like to think we're better than Vegas.  So throughout the season, we'll be "betting" a whole dollar amount versus the spread between $1 and $32, but we can't repeat the same value twice. The spread for this game is Purdue -10.5.


Erik's Bet: $27 (update coming once the spread is posted, someone takes this very seriously)
Erik's Pick: Purdue 68 - Eastern Michigan 63

Kirk's Bet: $22
Kirk's Pick: Purdue 64 - Eastern Michigan 60

Standings
Erik +174
Kirk -131

Values already bet
Erik 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 26, 30, 31, 32
Kirk 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Boiler up!

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