Purdue at Ohio State: Johnson and Sullinger in a Battle of Big Ten's Best Big Men

Washburn quotes Purdue teammate Lewis Jackson, who possibly contributes some fuel to the head to head matchup:

"It’s a good gauge for JaJuan, I feel like he is one of the best big men in the country. Sullinger probably is the second-best big man in the country."

JaJuan Johnson (6’10”) has the slight height advantage, but Sullinger is a powerful force on the low block, and also has a quick move once he gets the ball before the double team can arrive. Sullinger outweighs Johnson by 60 pounds, so the veteran will need to play strong.

It’s not just a one man show for either of these teams, though the big men are the central driving force. Both teams have outside shooters that can hurt you if you leave them open, with Jon Diebler, David Lighty, and William Buford for Ohio State, and E’Twaun Moore for Purdue. The game is at Ohio State, so the undefeated Buckeyes have the advantage. Purdue will need to control Sullinger on the boards, something that has not been accomplished by opponents this year, and Moore must outplay the Ohio State guards for the Boilermakers to pull the road upset and get even in the Big Ten standings.

[photo via Getty]