“We’re not tight but we’re not loose,” Izzo said. “We’re where you should be: disappointed that we lost a couple of games.” 

In light of this tough stretch, Izzo said he doesn’t think his team is struggling in as many areas as people might think but pinpointed three areas he wants his team to improve in: defensive rebounding, getting to the free-throw line and hitting more threes. He’s also “banking and betting” on senior forward Gabe Brown and freshman guard Max Christie to break out of their prolonged shooting slumps due to the work they’ve been putting in together over the past few weeks. 

“We’re the starting wings and by no means should we not be together in any regards,” Christie said. “We’re always working together, shooting, watching film, working out, lifting, whatever may be. We’re doing things together to make sure that we’re getting through this together and breaking down that wall together.”

Scouting the opponent 

Purdue (24-4, 13-4) sits tied atop the Big Ten with Wisconsin as one of their best seasons in recent memory winds to a close. To Izzo, they’re the most well-coached team in the league under Head Coach Matt Painter and the best team in the conference along with Illinois. 

One would be hard-pressed to argue with him from a personnel standpoint. On the highest rated offense in the nation, according to KenPom, sophomore guard Jaden Ivey has emerged from a balanced attack to solidify himself as a potential National Player of the Year candidate with 17.3 points per game and a versatile skill set that has drawn the attention of NBA scouts. Christie acknowledged Ivey’s ascension and compared his explosiveness to that of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. 

“I think he’s pretty unique,” Christie said. “He’s arguably one of the most athletic guards that we’re going to play this year and just his power and speed and getting downhill—it’s going to be a problem for us but nothing that we can’t handle.” 

With a team that can go two-deep at virtually every position, the Boilermakers unit at the five has perhaps been their most intriguing, if not their most valuable. Sophomore center Zach Edey (14.5 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game) starts, standing at 7’4'', while 6’10'' senior forward Trevion Williams (12 points per game, 7.5 rebounds) comes off the bench to form a dual-headed combination of sheer size and skill that have powered Purdue into contention for a national title. 

Izzo noted the differences between the two, with Edey taking a significant jump from last season and Williams continuing to sustain the passing qualities that made him a 2020-21 All-Big Ten selection and one of the “best passing bigs” in college basketball over the past several years. 

“You’ve seen these passes and those passes and the wrap around passes and the behind-the-back passes,” Izzo said. “And that’s the problem. You can’t afford to dig much because he can find everybody. But if you try to handle them one-on-one, he’s alone.” 

From there, senior guard Sasha Stefanovic (11.6 points per game, 40.6% from deep) and sophomore forward Mason Gillis (6.9 points per game, 47.1% from deep) provide two potent shooting options. Senior guard Eric Hunter Jr. and junior guard Isaiah Thompson serve as “solid” and understated point guards that are at their best facilitating their primary options.

With all that in mind, Izzo didn’t mince words regarding what the Boilermakers can do. 

“Purdue is the real deal and, I think, has a great shot to get to a Final Four,” he said.

The one troubling factor for the Boilermakers lies in their defense. While they’ve been an offensive juggernaut, their adjusted defensive efficiency is ranked 119 in KenPom, the first time a Boilermakers defense has been outside the top 50 since 2015. 

It’s become a bit of an Achilles heel for them, playing into a shocking blowout loss at the hands of Michigan and subsequent close games against Maryland and Northwestern. As it stands, Izzo said he believes his team has a shot is good enough to beat Purdue, so long as they play up to their potential. 

“No question we’re gonna have to play our best basketball,” he said. “And that’s what we’re going to try to do.” 

Michigan State tips off against Purdue at noon. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.