No rival upset coming for Hoosiers

Perhaps the only thing that made this season of struggle worse for IU basketball fans was the preseason prediction that put hated Purdue atop the Big Ten at year’s end.

Worse yet, Robbie Hummel, recipient of many Kelvin Sampson phone calls, was preseason player of the year.

That pain is only going to get worse when the Hoosiers meet Hummel and Co. on Saturday. The Boilermakers are talented, playing at home and with a chip on their shoulder.

That spells big trouble for Crean and the Hoosiers.

The loss itself might have been coming anyway. General wisdom last year was that, while IU’s immediate future was brighter via Eric Gordon, the depth of Purdue’s 2007 recruiting class might make them the better team in 2009.

But it was never supposed to be what it likely will become Saturday night.

IU doesn’t match up well with Purdue, a team coming off likely its biggest win of the year – a 72-54 drubbing of Michigan State on Wednesday night at home.

The Boilermakers surely will not overlook the Hoosiers, despite IU’s residence in last place in the Big Ten.

Hummel is hampered by a hairline fracture in his lower back.

“They’re a pretty good team without him, but they’re a special team with him,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo told media after the game. “He’s a special guy. I told him after the game I respect him.”

Worst of all, however, Purdue on a good day – and I would expect a good day Saturday – can match IU’s hustle and energy.

I’m not entirely sure you can quantify that statement, but in all likelihood, it will be made plain by around 2:07 p.m. Saturday.

There’s little about this year IU fans wouldn’t rather forget, but a win over Purdue in Mackey Arena would be the spoonful of sugar to make the losing go down.
Sorry, fans, not this year.