Indiana at Purdue Preview –

#7 Purdue 21-5 (11-4) vs. Indiana 17-9 (and 8-7)

There’s no such thing as must win games in February, but if there was, this would be it for Purdue.

After a four game win streak pulled Purdue back into the top-ten, it played host to #1 Michigan on Tuesday night. Michigan had its way with Purdue and handed Purdue its fourth loss in conference, all but guaranteeing that Purdue wouldn’t be in contention for the Big Ten.

Advertisement

Maybe more jarring for Purdue is the loss was Purdue’s third in Mackey Arena this season after also losing against top-ten teams Iowa State and Illinois in the usually magical confines of Mackey.

Between the marquee losses, Purdue also added another surprising loss to its schedule when it played Indiana for the first time in Assembly Hall.

Despite Indiana being a rebuilding team under first year head coach Darian DeVries, the Hoosiers took a double-digit lead into the first half and Purdue’s frantic comeback fell short. The 72-67 loss was part of a three-game losing streak that pushed Purdue out of the top-ten after being ranked #1 earlier this season.

There’s nothing Purdue will be able to do in the regular season to prove itself worthy of the early season odds that named them a national title favorite, but Purdue’s season is far from a free fall. It is still in line for a #2 or #3 seed, and as Painter said after the Michigan game, the NCAA Tournament is still ahead of them and is the ultimate goal.

But if Purdue loses at home to its rival that doesn’t have near the talent or experience as Purdue, real panic will come for West Lafayette.

This is a statement for Purdue.

There’s no shame losing to the #1 team in the country, even at home. But there will be if Purdue can’t take care of business against its in-state rival at home.

Nick Dorn and Lamar Wilkerson

Dorn and Wilkerson went for 19 and 18 points respectfully in the first matchup between these teams. Purdue will look to make both days a little tougher. Wilkerson had to take 18 shots…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/indiana-purdue-preview-161120611.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-02-20 16:11:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.