GOLDANDBLACK.COM PREVIEW: #15 PURDUE at NEBRASKA

About this game: Purdue's looking for consecutive wins for the first time in a month and its first road win since Jan. 27 at Minnesota. The Boilermakers are coming off a nice, albeit eventful, win over No. 10 Maryland and looking to build momentum heading toward the postseason, but the road has not been kind to this team lately. Nebraska, meanwhile, is playing out the string, having lost its last three games. But the 14-15 Cornhuskers aren't an easy out on their home floor, especially with Shavon Shields back from a concussion, and they do have some postseason interests to play toward if they can finish strong. Purdue won the first meeting between these teams 89-74 in Mackey Arena on Jan. 30.

PURDUE BOILERMAKERS (22-7, 10-6 B1G)

Roster | Schedule | Statistics

Projected Starters

C - A.J. Hammons (7-0, 250, Sr.)

Nebraska might still see Hammons when it closes its eyes at night, after what the Boilermaker center did last time around between these teams. On that day, he scored a career-high 32, threw down seven dunks, grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked four shots. Nebraska is simply overmatched in the post and may try some different things. He didn't score 30, but in limited minutes, Isaac Haas went off, too, against Nebraska, scoring 13 points in 12 minutes. Can they repeat such dominance on the road? Can Purdue get them the ball without turning it over?

F- Caleb Swanigan (6-9, 250, Fr.)

Looking to fend off Adam Woodbury and Matt Costello for the Big Ten rebounding title for the season, Swanigan would love to close his freshman season strong. Lately, his efficiency has been on the uptick, as he's made 9-of-14 shots the past two games with an acceptable three turnovers. Purdue's getting him high-percentage opportunities around the basket and Swanigan's cashing in, and passing the ball well, to boot.

F - Vince Edwards (6-8, 225, So.)

Edwards was aggressive off the dribble from the outset against Maryland and Purdue is better when he's that way. The Boilermakers need that mentality to continue. It's essential, too, for him to defend at a high level against Nebraska, because he's going to be paired often with one of its two talented wings.

F - Rapheal Davis (6-6, 217, Sr.)

The road has not been kind to Davis of late, and he's aware. The important part is he not force much on offense, because especially in this game, Hammons and Haas need the ball. A lot. Nebraska has two good scoring wings and Purdue only has one Davis. It'll want him to neutralize one of them. He will guard both Shields and White at times. Dakota Mathias is coming off an outstanding game against Maryland, the best of his career, and he and Ryan Cline will each get chances to establish the hot hand. Most important thing is just that Purdue not turn the ball over, but defensive matchups in this one could be a concern.

G- P.J. Thompson (5-10, 188, So.)

Thompson's turned the ball over four times the past two games after committing just 11 the whole season prior. That can be excused, because Purdue has played outstanding teams with outstanding point guards and Thompson is hurt, but the Boilermakers - all of them - have to take care of the basketball and be strong and authoritative with it in the face of pressure, because they'll see it again. It's an everybody issue, but has to start with Thompson and Johnny Hill.

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS (14-15, 6-10 B1G)

Roster | Schedule | Statistics

Projected Starters

Guard - Glynn Watson (6-0, 160, Fr.)

After Purdue's faced point guard-driven offenses the past two games, it now gets wing-oriented Nebraska, but Watson is a threat off the dribble and as a shooter. He's a potential game-changer if he can make some shots to complement the Cornhuskers' more prominent weapons.

Guard - Benny Parker (5-9, 175, Sr.)

Parker is going to find himself switched into some bigger, less-mobile matchups at times against Purdue, which will want to keep the senior from getting to the basket in those situations.

Forward - Andrew White III (6-7, 216, Jr.)

One of the better wing scorers in the Big Ten, White's averaging 17.1 points per game and draining 41 percent of his threes. He had 18 against Purdue last time before the Boilermakers were able to quiet him after a strong start. He can get 25 in a hurry if the Boilermakers aren't careful. White has struggled lately, though, since hurting his shoulder.

Forward - Shavon Shields (6-7, 225, Sr.)

Purdue has struggled at times this season with opponents that have multiple scoring wings and Nebraska certainly does. Shields is terrific, a big wing/small forward type who's coming off a 25-point game at Penn State in his first game back from injury. That's pretty good. It was his fifth game of 24-plus this season. He had 16 against Purdue last time on just six field goals before fouling out. It Shields' senior day in Lincoln.

Forward - Michael Jacobson (6-8, 222, Fr.)

Jacobson's going to be a good player for Nebraska. But, he's a freshman, undersized to play center in the Big Ten - he's not a center but has to play it - and just has his hands full, to say the least, with Purdue's size. Last time, Hammons and Haas did whatever they wanted, but you have to credit Jacobson for battling.

PURDUE'S KEYS TO SUCCESS

Rebound	Composure	Transition Defense

Last time these two teams met, Nebraska finished with only 17 rebounds, 19 fewer than Purdue. On paper, it is that sort of mismatch around the basket, but we'd have said the same about Michigan. Purdue can't take anything for granted here, because it needs second-chance points and needs to limit what it allows on that front.	Nebraska isn't a great team this season, but the road has been an issue for Purdue. It remains to be seen whether the Cornhuskers will pressure the Boilermakers, but whatever happens, Purdue has to handle situations well and avoid turnovers at all costs.	Not sure Nebraska is going to run anybody out of the building, but this is more a general point, because Purdue still gives up too many quick buckets. Transition defense starts with offense: Turnovers and shot selection matter. They're always emphases for Purdue, but as the postseason nears, it bears reminding.

PREDICTION: PURDUE 74, NEBRASKA 69

The road has been a crapshoot for Purdue the past month-plus and that alone is reason for consternation. So too is the fact that Shields looks right after coming back from injury. He and White have real Malcolm Hill-Kendrick Nunn sort of potential, for those of you who remember the Illinois game. But Purdue should have such a suffocating advantage on the interior that the Cornhuskers are going to be hard-pressed to stop Purdue offensively in the lane or rebound. But if Purdue turns the ball over, all bets are off.