Cunningham's urgency exemplifies Purdue's attitude

In fact, he was "pissed off."

Sure, he had just led the Boilermakers to a 81-71 victory over the Wolverines ... but he could have cared less.

"This is a game we should win," Cunningham snapped. "We should have won more convincingly."

Cunningham wasn't being arrogant, he was just mad. He was mad that Purdue had dropped its two previous Big Ten games against Ohio State and Indiana. He was angry that the Boilermakers had let Michigan back into the game after holding an 18-point lead with 11 minutes left.

"I was pissed off because we thought we were better than we are," Cunningham added.

Some pretty harsh words for just a two-game conference losing streak, right? Well, not in Boilermaker country, where fans eat, breathe and sleep Purdue basketball. You could argue that the skid was blown out of proportion, but then again, isn't that what college athletics is all about?

Since when is emotion not the overriding theme for any college sport? This isn't the pros, where your job is on the line. In college - particularly men's college basketball - pride is paramount.

Cunningham was "pissed off," and he had every right to be; Purdue was stuck in a rut, and so was his game.

Well, if you'll look closely, the Wolverines are in a similar situation. They've lost two conference games in a row now, and they aren't making the plays they did in wins over Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio State.

And the problem goes beyond the fact the Wolverines haven't been at home for the past two games. The key here is Michigan's sense of urgency - or the lack thereof. While Michigan was simply looking for a win on the road, the Boilermakers needed much more.

The Michigan game was going to be a defining point in Purdue's season - the point where the Boilermakers either suffered their first three-game conference losing streak since 1985, or got back on track for a run at the Big Ten title.

From Cunningham's demeanor and Purdue coach Gene Keady's comments following the game you got the sense that there was still trouble in paradise (um, West Lafayette) - even after notching a hard-earned conference victory.

But you couldn't help but think it was a refreshing change. Here stood one of the most successful coaches in the Big Ten, snapping at the media like his job was in jeopardy. And then there was the fan-favorite guard, who looked like he just went 0-for-11 with another eight turnovers.

It was invigorating to see such urgency from a team that's 15-5. In fact, it really makes you wonder if the Wolverines can replicate the same energy in the coming week. Michigan faces Illinois and Iowa at home this week, with a chance to bring itself back to .500.

And in all honesty, Michigan's goals for the season can't be compared to those of Purdue. While the Boilermakers are aiming for a run in the NCAA tournament, it remains to be seen if the Wolverines will be able to make any postseason tournament.

Nevertheless, Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe has been able to light a fire underneath his troops when at home. So just wait a week, and then see what this bunch will give you.

Until then, take heart in the fact that Michigan knows what can come from being "pissed off."

- Pranay Reddy can be reached via e-mail at pkr@umich.edu.

DANA LINNANE/Daily Purdue coach Gene Keady didn't do much smiling Saturday, even though his team defeated Michigan.

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