BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A historic rivalry is set to heat up once more as the Indiana Hoosiers prepare to face the No. 13/14 Purdue Boilermakers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall this Sunday. With tip-off scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS, the stakes could not be higher for both teams, who are each seeking to improve their standings within the competitive Big Ten conference.
After struggling through the past month, the Indiana Hoosiers (15-11, 6-9 Big Ten) are enthusiastically gearing up for the challenge of facing Purdue. Associate head coach Kenya Hunter conveyed his optimism on the weekly IU radio show, stating, “We have the talent to still make a run, which is why we're very optimistic about the five games.” This confidence is bolstered by their recent victories, including commendable performances against top teams like Michigan State and Ohio State.
Meanwhile, the Boilermakers (19-8, 11-5 Big Ten) are coming off three consecutive losses, marking their first losing streak since 2020. This downturn is particularly concerning for head coach Matt Painter, who has led his team to prominence over the season. Purdue, once firm contenders for the Big Ten title, find themselves tied for third place behind Michigan State, seeking to regain their footing.
The last time these two teams met, it was Indiana who struggled to hold onto the lead, losing 81-76 at Mackey Arena after leading 76-75 with just seconds left. Hunter emphasized the importance of this matchup, saying, “It's a must-win game. Everyone has to be on board and on the same page.” With strong leadership coming from veterans like Trey Galloway and Luke Goode, Indiana aims to capture their home crowd's energy and turn it to their advantage.
Among the highlights of the last encounter was Indiana swingman Mackenzie Mgbako, who led the team with 25 points. Hunter believes they can replicate this performance with everyone on the same wavelength: “We haven’t had a complete game where everyone's clicking and on the same page,” he remarked.
Purdue's star player, Braden Smith, also had impressive numbers during their previous meeting, contributing to the team’s scoring with 24 points. He currently stands just seven assists shy of breaking Purdue's all-time career assist record, creating additional excitement for this matchup.
On the other end, Purdue has struggled significantly with their defense, especially following their latest losses where they allowed opponents to shoot upwards of 70% from the field during the second half. This defensive lapse has become increasingly concerning, as shown by their recent game against Michigan State where they lost 75-66. Hunter noted this vulnerability and hopes the Hoosiers can capitalize on it.
The ambiance surrounding the game is not just focused on the players' statistics; it also revolves around significant historical moments. This year marks four decades since the iconic chair-throwing incident involving Purdue's legendary coach Bob Knight. Head coach Mike Woodson finds this historical connection fitting, as he intends to sit where Knight did on the anniversary of the incident—a symbolic tribute.
Woodson, who is also part of Indiana’s storied history, seeks to end this season on high notes against Purdue. Last year's performances, including two wins over the Boilermakers, reignited hopes for Indiana fans, and they are hungry for another victory. “It has been a long time,” Woodson exclaimed after one of the wins last year, expressing the emotional weight of this rivalry.
The Hoosiers have worked hard to rectify mistakes from their previous games, where they've lost four matches by five points or fewer, reflecting their need for improved late-game execution. Hunter admits, “You've got to make free throws at the end to finish games, and we've missed out a couple times on those.” The emphasis during practice has been on reviewing late-game scenarios—an effort to avoid repeating past errors.
Purdue, too, is aware of the heightened rivalry stakes. After dropping their last three games, they are primed to solidify their place before heading toward the postseason. Head coach Matt Painter firmly believes his team still has the potential to rebound and reclaim their early-season form.
With both teams fighting for their standing, this Sunday’s game will not only shape their immediate future but also resonate deeply within the legacy of the Indiana-Purdue rivalry. The anticipation continues to build as they both eye this pivotal match, aiming not only for victory but to etch their names once more within the storied history of college basketball.
Catch this intensely awaited game on CBS, with everything to play for as Indiana hosts their long-standing rivals from Purdue. Will the Hoosiers’ home advantage give them the edge, or will Purdue find their way back to winning form on the road? The stage is set for what promises to be another classic chapter in this heated rivalry.