One of the biggest rivalries in men’s college basketball which consists of Indiana vs Purdue. These teams have been playing each other for over a century. The Boilermakers lead the series 125-92 against the Hoosiers. These teams play each other twice a year and no matter the records of the teams the game is always a battle. The atmosphere is always insane as both teams play in two of the top college basketball atmospheres in the country. No matter what the record is between these two teams, it will always be a battle to win. Both teams are very well coached by former players at the universities. In an article by Mason Willams of NBC Sports, he says, “Indiana vs Purdue is one of the most crazed and intense rivalries in college basketball.”
Last season, Indiana was 2-0 against Purdue for the first time in over ten years. Indiana won the first meeting by five and the second by eight These teams have already met once this season in January where Purdue absolutely slaughtered Indiana by 21 points at Assembly Hall. This was the largest margin of victory in the last 20 years of these teams playing.
Purdue is led by reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey. He has been on a tear this season and is looking to be back-to-back NPOTY ( National Player of the Year Awards). Boilers are coached by Matt Painter who has been there for eighteen seasons. Purdue also acquired Lance Jones from Southern Illinois in the offseason. Lance has been a huge addition to the team being the second leading scorer averaging thirteen points per game. The Boilermakers also have one of the top point guards in the country, Braden Smith. He is averaging twelve points, five rebounds, and seven assists per game. The Boilers have remained ranked in the top five all season even with a couple of tough losses.
The Hoosiers however were faced with replacing their two best players after they went to the NBA draft. The Hoosiers are coached by Mike Woodson who is in his third season with the university. The Hoosiers acquired a big man from Oregon Kel’el Ware. He has been a huge factor in this team this season and is averaging fourteen points and nine rebounds per game. They also added a couple of freshmen such as Gabe Cupps and Mackenzie Mgbacko.
Indiana will be on the road for this game as they are traveling to Lafayette to play at the legendary Mackey Arena. The Hoosiers better come ready to play as the Boilers are 11-0 on the season at home and are not looking to take their first loss. Mackey Arena will be packed full for this game and the place is surely going to be loud.
These teams will be facing off for the second time this season. Purdue is looking for the season 2-0 sweep on the Hoosiers. But the Hoosiers are looking for revenge after the blowout loss they received at Assembly Hall.
