Basketball Recap - CBI First Round: Purdue 81 - Western Illinois 67

In what was supposed to be one of the lowest scoring games in NCAA and surely CBI history, Purdue and Western Illinois shocked the world (or at least the 5,000 people watching the game in person or on tv) by putting up a combined 148 points.

The Leathernecks, missing their top 2 players put a scare in Purdue early by starting on fire from the field, scoring 32 points in the first 14 minutes of the game.  In that time period, bench player Don McAvoy III did his best "Roy 'Tin Cup' McAvoy after 11 strokes" impression and drained everything for a quick 10 points.  Meanwhile, Remy Roberts-Burnett had 11 as both players were already above their season average.  Luckily the Leathernecks went cold allowing the Boilermakers to take the lead by halftime - a lead Purdue wouldn't give up.

Purdue had gone 1 for 4 in the first half from 3-point range, but went a blistering 6 for 7 in the second half to really take control.  Byrd hit three in the first 8 minutes and the ONLY missed 3-pointer happened in the last minute from Jacob Lawson (!). 

Both teams put up some shocking numbers considering both typically try to slow the game down. Western Illinois played two games this year in which neither team scored 40 points (WITH their two best players!).  Clearly, 50% shooting and 67 points was an anomaly.  However, thank goodness the Boilermakers were on fire, as this had the potential of being an embarrassing loss - Purdue shot 59% from the field, 64% from three-point range, and 92% from the free throw line.   If the Boilermakers can put up that sort of effort on the offensive end for the rest of the tourney, Purdue will be your 2013 CBI champs.

No love for Dru Anthrop's excellent game in this post, so here's a picture of one of his four assists

Next up is Santa Clara, which is NOT on AXS tv.  AXS's graphics and announcers made it feel like it was a high school game on public access tv (how many ways can you botch Sandi Marcius' name?), but at least it was free to many fans around the country.  Unfortunately, the next game is on BTDN, meaning you have to pay to watch it.  We'll let you know more in our preview, but if you're in the area, you might as well spend your money getting a ticket to the game.  Santa Clara's a good team and it should be a good basketball game.

Boiler Up!

Tweet

Basketball Preview: Purdue vs. Western Illinois - CBI MADNESS - March 20th - 7:00pm - Some channel you don't get (AXS TV)

Who is excited for some CBI Tournament basketball?!  OK, calm down Morgan Burke and return to your seat.  As for me, this game is a lose-lose, and here are all the reasons why:

1. Trying to turn games against teams like Western Illinois, Santa Clara, Bryant, and North Dakota State into something meaningful makes my brain hurt.
2. If Purdue loses on Wednesday, it's pretty embarrassing.
3. Actually, it's embarrassing just to be in this tournament.  Of course I'm glad the Boilers didn't have an even worse record, but prolonging a disappointing season isn't particularly fun.
4. Honestly though, anything short of winning this entire thing (or possibly losing to Texas in the final) is a reason to hang your head.
5. The majority of Purdue's fanbase will be unable to watch the game on TV.  What the heck is an AXS?  You know it's a pathetic excuse for a post-season tournament when it's barely being broadcast.
6. Because I'm irrationally loyal and either addicted or masochistic, I was planning to watch the game.  In fact, I was scheduled to do the recap, but I can't and had to switch duties with Erik.  I'm in the majority that doesn't have AXS.TV.NET.COM.PARAGUAY even though my current residence has every other HD channel imaginable.

The only positive reason for this game is to get a little more experience for the young Boilers.  I suppose extra game time can't hurt...unless the play and result are so demoralizing that they cause a nine month hangover.  But can it honestly get any worse than losing to Nebraska in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament?

The Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl of NCAA basketball

So get fired up for the Leathernecks vs. the Boilermakers - those nicknames just scream intensity!

Why Purdue Will Win
Western Illinois isn't very good, having not beaten or really even played a quality opponent all season (hey, they beat Yale though, whoohoo!).  They will be missing their top two scorers for this game after senior guard Ceola Clark suffered a knee injury against North Dakota State.  Forward Terell Parks, who was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Summit League, suffered a foot injury and has missed the team's last four games.  Both those guys were first team all-conference, so look for the Leathernecks to struggle without them.  Western also has no real size to compete with Hammons or Marcius, so expect big nights from the big men.  The game is also at Mackey, so the Boilers have that home crowd advantage going for them, assuming anyone shows up.

Why Western Illinois Will Win
Because they care about this game and entire tournament more than Purdue?  That's all I got.

One thing you absolutely need to know before the game Things I learned on Wikipedia: Western Illinois is in Macomb, Illinois, which is closer to both Iowa and Missouri than any relevant city or town in Illinois.  Western has some notable alumni playing in the NFL, but by far their most prestigious alumnus is political consultant Mary Matalin.  She holds the Guinness World Record for most days legally married to a snake/Gollum/Skeletor/an alien wearing human skin as a poor disguise (you choose which one, it's still quite a record).

Definitely a face even uglier than IU's coach

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.  For this game we decided to bet the number of nicknames we could name for teams that made the NCAA Tournament.  Erik is apparently a savant.  The spread for this game is Purdue by 12.


Erik's Bet: $61
Erik's Pick: Purdue 64 - Western Illinois 41

Kirk's Bet: $52
Kirk's Pick: Purdue 67 - Western Illinois 53

Standings:
Erik +363 (24-10 Against The Spread)
Kirk -104 (14-20 Against The Spread)

 

Boiler Up!

Tweet