3 keys and a prediction for Nebraska vs. Purdue in the Big Ten tournament

Nebraska basketball will get the chance to avenge one of its five losses in the Big Ten tournament as the second-seeded Huskers will take on Purdue.

The Boilermakers knocked off 15th-seeded Northwestern on Thursday. In the last matchup, Purdue and Nebraska went to overtime after the Boilermakers built a huge lead.

Rienk Mast had a free throw to give Nebraska the lead with under 10 seconds left, but he missed it. Purdue left Lincoln with the win and was one of just two teams to win at the Vault this season.

Nothing has really changed in terms of the scouting report. Purdue has been playing poorly, especially on the defensive end. The Boilers are 14th, 14th, and 16th, in defensive field-goal percentage, defensive 2-point percentage, and defensive 3-point percentage in the Big Ten.

Yet, Purdue didn’t defend well in Lincoln and won in overtime. The Boilermakers are a 3.5-point favorite and looking ahead to the Big Ten quarterfinals, here are three keys and a prediction.

Keep Purdue off the glass

Nebraska did a solid job defensively in the first matchup, that is, if it could finish possessions. Great defense for 30 seconds doesn’t matter if you give up the offensive rebound. Purdue grabbed 40 percent of its missed shots in the win at Nebraska.

Purdue shot just 38 percent from the field. and 28 percent from 3-point range on 46 attempts. The Boilermakers will probably shoot the ball better, but if Nebraska can limit the second-chance points, it could make a difference this time around.

Win the turnover battle

Not only does Nebraska need to limit its turnovers, it also needs to force Purdue into some. Sam Hoiberg led the Big Ten in steals this season, and the Huskers forced 12.2 turnovers per game in Big Ten play, which ranked first.

The Huskers forced 11 turnovers in the first matchup. They also had 14 themselves, including some that were really careless. Cut those out, value the ball, and get hands on the ball as much as possible.

All season, that’s been a recipe for success.

Single-digit turnovers is a must.

Double-digit treys

To beat a team like Purdue, Nebraska basketball has to shoot well. It’s a prerequisite with a Fred Hoiberg team. The Huskers have overcome some poor shooting nights; however, the 3-ball is the identity of this team, and Nebraska needs to make at least 10 on Friday to beat the Boilers. ‘

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