No Shame

As expected, Purdue dropped the second round NCAA tournament matchup versus Florida, 74-67. However, with this loss, there is nothing to be ashamed of. As I posted previously, I said I would be impressed if Purdue put out a great effort. They didn't disappoint. Purdue took it right to Florida and played their hearts out. We enjoyed a consistent lead in the first half (7 points at one point in the game) and ended up leading at the half by 2 points. In the second half, we had the lead for probably 10-12 minutes. Then we clawed back from 5 to 7 point deficits to lead again at the 7 minute mark, 49-47. Ultimately, Purdue could not withstand a flurry of free throws made by Florida, the clutch inside play of Al Horford, and missing their own free throws. Despite fading some in the second half, Purdue never gave up and kept it close.

The physicality of the game was best summarized by Josh Peters in his Yahoo Sports column. Here is the excerpt:

"The Boilermakers gave Florida a taste of Big Ten basketball, and it went down about as well as Castor Oil. A plodding tempo. In-your-face defense. The kind of body slamming usually reserved for a mosh pit."

Landry finished the game with 18 points and 10 boards against the bigger Florida frontline. His effort was inspiring, so much in fact that he earned the respect of Florida stars, Joakim Noah and Al Horford. All three players embraced on the court after the game. It was almost as though Noah and Horford were warriors showing respect for a worthy fallen opponent. Noah later went on to say "I give [Landry] a lot of respect. He's a warrior. There was not a single play when he gave up going for the rebound or for the shot. I feel bad for him because I know how hard it is to lose in the tournament."

Teague and Chris Kramer also played well each finishing with 14 points.

Personally, I would like to take time to thank the seniors for this season. Landry and Teague had great performances throughout the whole year. They were really the catalysts for this year's turnaround. When Purdue fans look back, Teague and Landry will be seen as the firestarters, the guys who brought Purdue back. Hopefully they both can continue their careers professionally.

This game only reaffirms the future is bright for Purdue. Matt Painter and his staff are good. They are good tactically, good at developing players, good at motivating players, and so far good at getting some recruits. Purdue as a team improved substantially as the season progressed. Also Purdue's nationally ranked recruiting class comes in next year. If they can gel with the mainstays, Purdue will be tough once again.

One last thing, Purdue recruit E'twaun Moore and East Chicago Central takes on IU recruit (top 5 talent) Eric Gordon and Indy North Central in the 4A title tilt next Saturday.