Purdue vs. Maryland rating, takeaways: Terrapins prime Boilermakers, who lose second straight recreation

Purdue’s no-good, very-bad begin to February acquired even worse Thursday because the third-ranked Boilermakers suffered their third loss of their final 4 video games in a 68-54 beatdown by the hands of unranked Maryland in Faculty Park, Maryland. Purdue (23-4, 12-4 Huge Ten) led for a majority of the sport earlier than a complete collapse late wherein it surrendered a 29-4 run over a nine-minute span within the second half to fall fully out of the sport, shedding for the second straight time.

Maryland (18-8, 9-6) shot 17 of 27 from the sphere within the second half and made 4 of its 5 3-point makes an attempt in an offensive barrage wherein it outscored Purdue 43-26 within the ultimate 20 minutes of play, serving to it seize its first win over a top-five ranked staff since Jan. 28, 2016. Jahmir Younger had 11 of his 20 factors within the second half and Hakim Hart had 10 of his 13 factors in that span.

Purdue star Zach Edey managed 18 factors and eight rebounds and freshman guard Braden Smith added 18 factors of his personal. Nonetheless, the 2 solely managed 18 second-half factors and the supporting solid contributed eight extra within the totality of the second half because it once more failed to attain 30 factors after the primary half for a second consecutive recreation (after failing to take action solely twice all season previous to that).

The Boilermakers opened the season 22-1 and climbed to No. 1 within the AP ballot led by Edey, the frontrunner for nationwide participant of the 12 months, however have stumbled in February with a 2-3 report culminating with consecutive losses to Northwestern and Maryland, respectively. Their loss to Maryland is its greatest by margin all season, doubtlessly placing in jeopardy its possibilities to earn the No. 1 general seed within the NCAA Event.  

Listed here are three takeaways from Maryland’s victory vs. Purdue.

No. 1 general seed up for grabs

Purdue will fall from the No. 1 general seed, however will stay on the highest line, in keeping with CBS Sports activities Bracketology Knowledgeable Jerry Palm. The Boilermakers’ 9 Quad 1 wins and general resume stays among the many finest in school basketball, however their margin for error because the projected No. 1 general seed has probably run out. Purdue has remained the No. 1 general seed in Palm’s bracket even amidst its slip the final month, however one other loss would possibly open the door for one more staff to maneuver to the highest line. Kansas started the day as the general No. 2 seed and has three extra Quad 1 wins than does Purdue and could also be on its method to successful the Huge 12 — the hardest convention in school hoops this season — which might bolster its credentials to doubtlessly unseat Purdue because the No. 1 general seed. It appears it’d take one thing substantial for Purdue to fall to the No. 2 or 3 line by the NCAA Event, however with a robust record of No. 1 seed resumes, it provides some late-season drama with Choice Sunday simply three weeks out.

Second-half struggles doom Boilermakers

For a second consecutive recreation, Purdue struggled within the second half. Uncoincidentally, it resulted in yet one more loss. The second-half struggles began in opposition to Northwestern on Sunday because it was outscored 21-9 over the ultimate 10 minutes and continued Thursday in getting outscored 21-13 within the ultimate 10 minutes. That marked the third consecutive recreation it has been outscored within the second half and seventh time (in 10 video games) during the last month.

Terrapins comprise Edey

The depth of the Purdue has been maybe underrated in Edey’s POY-caliber 12 months, however the blueprint to stopping this staff is little doubt finished by straight by means of slowing the 7-foot-4 superhuman. Maryland — spearheaded by Julian Reese — did about nearly as good a job as you possibly can in doing that. By taking part in bodily and forcing him to move out of the block you dare Purdue’s function gamers to beat you. On Thursday, Purdue couldn’t do this.