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Matt Painter says Purdue can’t ‘force things’ needs good shot selection to beat Virginia
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Purdue is just one win away from reaching the Final Four for the first time since 1980. Standing in the way, though, is one of the best defensive teams in the country.
Top-seeded Virginia has one of the stingiest defensive in college basketball and has made a living by devouring solid offensive teams all year. But Purdue has shot the ball well in the NCAA Tournament, and could present some issues for the Cavaliers.
Prior to Saturday night’s tipoff, head coach Matt Painter spoke with BTN about the matchup, and how Purdue can make things difficult for Virginia’s defense.
“More than anything, you gotta make it hard on them, too. There gonna make it hard on you. When there are opportunities, and there’s not a lot, you’ve gotta take advantage,” Painter said. “We have to be able to generate good shots. We have to be able — when they take things away — to not force things.
“They’re just a dangerous team. They’re stingy and disciplined on defense, but yet they’re efficient and they’ll make you pay on the other end of the court.”
In the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, Purdue struggled to score against Old Dominion, shooting below 40 percent for the game. Things have really picked up for the Boilermakers, though, hitting shots over a 50 percent clip against Villanova and Tennessee.
Purdue has also made 31-of-61 three-point attempts in the last two wins. Hitting those shots would be huge in putting pressure on the Cavaliers.
None of Virginia’s three opponents in the NCAA Tournament — Gardner-Webb, Oklahoma and Oregon — have shot over 45 percent, with the Sooners and Ducks converting on less than 40 percent of their attempts.
Saturday night presents a classic great offense vs. great defense matchup. And a trip to the Final Four hangs in the balance.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB