Before this season started, we heard stories from the players about the tough practices and how Keady even had them go two weeks of practicing without using basketballs. That proved vital against the Buckeyes as Purdue willed their way to a win with defense and effort. Is this team the Big Ten's team of destiny in 2003? Its too early to tell, but they sure have been playing like it since the heartbreaking loss against Arizona State. Purdue is 8-1 since that game, including a close game at Illinois' Assembly Hall and an unbelievable blowout of Indiana. Its a disgrace that this team is not ranked yet, but they'll have plenty of chances to get into the rankings in the coming weeks. An even bigger disgrace is having only ONE sellout this year, which was thanks to the 1500 IU fans in Mackey on Saturday.

Congratulations to the Gene Pool for another great effort tonight. Everyone who lives within an hour drive from West Lafayette needs to make sure they go to every game possible. If you already have tickets, recruit a friend. Tickets can be had for a mere $8!! If you can't convince people to go, pick up a pair of tickets as a present for a friend or relative. If a lot of people do this once, many of those fans will see what they are missing and they'll keep going back and we can start selling out Mackey again. This is one of the most exciting teams I have watched in years and they deserve support not only from the polls, but from the fans! If anyone lives near Iowa and is planning on going to the game on Saturday, let me know. I'm still trying to work out a way to get there. 5-1 is good, but 6-1 is even better! Go Boilers!