Purdue came up short at home on Tuesday, falling 73-70 to Ohio State. And while the Boilers struggled from 3-point range again, it was the defensive performance that left them most frustrated after the loss.

The Boilers blew a 16-point in an eventual 73-70 loss when it couldn't stop Ohio State's runs. It must stop one of a different kind before it starts.

Losing to Ohio State doesn't make or break Purdue's season. It doesn't even eliminate the Boilermakers from the Big Ten championship picture. But what happens next could. After 26 straight wins at Mackey, that number now stands at zero and Michigan, a team as dangerous as any in the Big Ten, comes to town next.