Game Preview: Iowa at #5 Purdue

#5 Purdue 15-1 (5-0) will host Iowa 12-4 (2-3) on Wednesday night.

Purdue is off to a clean start in the Big Ten. Ben McCollum’s first year at Iowa has hit a recent speed bump after a hot start to the season. Iowa has lost its last two games, dropping a game at Minnesota and then at home against Illinois.

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Now Matt Painter and Ben McCollum will square off for the first time. McCollum took over the Iowa program this season from long time head coach Fran McCaffrey. Now McCollum will get his first look at Mackey Arena.

Your talking points

It’s all about the point guard matchup with All-American and best point guard in the country, Braden Smith, squaring off against the sweet shooting sensation and possible All-American, Bennet Stirtz.

Stirtz is a more shoot first point guard, but he does plenty to entertain the crowd. Stirtz is one of the nation’s most unapologetic launchers of the basketball. He will consume any space with his ability to get the ball up and in the rim. He’s averaging 17.6 points a game while shooting just under 40% from three on about six attempts per game. He can score off the dribble, standing still, getting to the hoop, stepping back, or from very far distances.

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Braden Smith is the returning point guard of the year and All-Time assists leader in the Big Ten. Smith is closing in on the All-Time NCAA assists record next. After a 14 assist performance against Penn State, Smith is on pace to break the record just a couple games into the post season for Purdue. Smith is also leading the nation in assists per game.

It’s unlikely the two will be directly against each other by choice on the court, but there is no doubt the two teams run through their very talented point guards.

It doesn’t get much more entertaining a viewing experience than watching Smith and Stirtz duel.

Purdue heads on the road

This will be an important game for Purdue in its race to reclaim the Big Ten. It’s gotten off to its best start in school history,…

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Publish date : 2026-01-14 12:00:00

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