IU coach Tom Crean said only a collective effort can slow Purdue and its quick-moving offense.
He said he expects his team to make proper rotations, help out teammates and rebound the first miss on the defensive end.
"We have to have great team defense," Crean said. "That's what they have. Their help defense is outstanding; their ability to pressure the ball is outstanding."
Purdue averages 74 points per game and scores inside and outside.
What Crean has worried about, though, is the 7.6 steals the Boilermakers average. The fact that they only turn the ball over 11.3 times per game must also be worrisome.
They did this without speedy guard Lewis Jackson for most of the season. Jackson was added by to the team's rotation in its past two games.
The speed he adds to the fast-break ability of Purdue can only enhance its transition game.
E'Twaun Moore and Robbie Hummel each average more than a full steal per game, and IU has said it is prepared for the Boilermakers to pressure the ball all the way up the court.
Crean said he wants his team to be able to ruffle Purdue players and provide just as much trouble as it gets.
"We've got to be able to return that favor," Crean said in reference to the high-level defensive effort of Purdue.
