3 Things I’ll Be Watching in Purdue’s Final Exhibition Game vs. No. 4 UConn

Matt Painter has one final opportunity to see his team in action before the wins and losses start counting. On Tuesday, the Boilermakers are headed to Hartford to play No. 4 UConn in the team’s final exhibition game of the season.

Purdue has cruised through its first two exhibition games. The Boilermakers pummeled Ball State 87-55 in the first preseason contest, then knocked around Purdue-Fort Wayne 92-62 in the second matchup. UConn will present plenty more challenges than the previous two opponents, though.

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There are a few things I’ll be monitoring throughout Purdue’s final exhibition game against the Huskies. These are a few things that stand out heading into Tuesday’s contest.

How Purdue’s post handles physicality

Michigan Wolverines guard L.J. Cason (2) shoots the ball against Purdue Boilermakers center Daniel Jacobsen (12). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Purdue’s physicality in the post has been a question all offseason long. The Boilermakers didn’t get much of a challenge on this front in their first two exhibition games, but that’s going to change Tuesday night. How will Daniel Jacobsen, Enzo Shahrvin, Caden Pierce, Raleigh Burgess and Jack Benter handle a tough UConn team in the post?

Rebounding will be something to watch when it comes to physicality. Purdue didn’t have much trouble on the glass against Ball State or Fort Wayne, but the Huskies present a much more difficult challenge. Dan Hurley coaches a bigger, more physical and more athletic team than the Boilers saw in their two games last week.

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How will the defense look in the post, too? Can Jacobsen stay out of foul trouble? Is Shahrvin’s athleticism going to help with rim protection when he’s on the floor? There are several things to watch when it comes to Purdue’s physicality against UConn.

Pressure defense against talented guards

Purdue Boilermakers guard Gicarri Harris (24) defends against Penn State Nittany Lions guard Freddie Dilione V. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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Publish date : 2026-10-26 20:30:00

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