I agree with you Medina, Purdue has been fortunate (not sure the right word) to come out on top of those close games, maybe with that consistency in close games it shows that have some fortitude and don't panic.
How much creed do you give that Purdue gets everyone's best shot since they are highly ranked? Fair to say teams elevate their focus and play against them vs some of the other conference opponents?
I do think it is beyond merely "fortunate". You mentioned consistency and I agree. Purdue is consistently coming out on top in these close games because they are the best team in the league but they aren't quite putting teams away like I would expect for the #1 team in the nation.
That isn't really a knock on Purdue. I'm holding them to an incredibly high standard because they are #1.
Last nights game is another example. Purdue got a road win over a more talented than their record Michigan squad and they led for the entire second half and almost the entire game so good for them. That said, watching as someone with no dog in the fight, Michigan was in the game until the final seconds. It seemed like the entire second half was played with Purdue holding about a 5-10 point lead. It always felt like Purdue was probably going to win and yet there remained the possibility that Michigan could hit a couple shots, go on a little run, and take the lead.
I definitely think that Purdue gets everyone's best shot. For Michigan's guys, last night was what they play for (well aside from money and girls), a shot at #1!
Sunday they'll get MSU's best shot. Last Sunday they got Maryland's best shot. That is true but it also isn't unique to Purdue. That is just life near the top of the mountain.
So I'm not really criticizing Purdue and I realize that I am holding them to a VERY high standard. They are a very good team, but just how good? To be honest, I'd expect a little more domination from #1 in the nation.
Maybe that is too high of a bar. Maybe this is just a product of the league being so deep. There are 12 B1G teams that, at their best, can challenge #1. Purdue gets their best twice a week and basically gets no breaks and that is a really tough grind.