Indiana basketball is gearing up for a crucial Friday night showdown against Purdue at Mackey Arena. Coming off a tough 71-51 loss to Illinois, the Hoosiers are looking to bounce back, while the Boilermakers are also seeking redemption after a 91-80 defeat by Michigan.
With just five regular-season games left, Indiana is sitting at 17-8 overall and 8-7 in the Big Ten. They’re aiming for 20 regular-season wins to solidify their NCAA tournament hopes. Anything less might mean relying on Big Ten tournament success or anxiously watching the Selection Show on March 15.
Friday’s clash in West Lafayette is arguably Indiana’s toughest remaining test. According to KenPom, Indiana is favored in upcoming home games against Northwestern and Minnesota but is seen as an underdog against Purdue, Michigan State, and Ohio State.
The silver lining? Indiana has already shown they can topple Purdue, having secured a 72-67 victory in Bloomington back in January. A repeat performance could be pivotal for their March Madness aspirations.
First Matchup Recap
Let’s revisit that January victory over Purdue. Indiana’s win was powered by Nick Dorn’s standout performance, a strong presence in the paint, and Conor Enright’s steady point guard play.
Dorn shone brightly, scoring 18 points and earning KenPom Game MVP honors. His 4-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc, coupled with three steals and two rebounds, was instrumental.
Despite Purdue’s formidable frontcourt featuring Trey Kaufman-Renn, Oscar Cluff, and Daniel Jacobsen, Indiana managed to hold their own in the paint and on the boards. Enright was a key figure, playing all 40 minutes without committing a foul. His eight assists and clutch 3-pointer late in the game were crucial in sealing the victory.
Indiana’s 3-point shooting was another decisive factor. They hit 8-for-20 from deep in the first half, building an 11-point halftime lead. Overall, the Hoosiers shot 12-for-33 from three, outscoring Purdue by 15 points from beyond the arc.
Tempo-Free Preview
Purdue, despite the recent loss to Michigan, has been playing some of its best basketball. Their offense ranks third in the Big Ten, averaging 1.204 points per possession in conference play. They’re shooting 35.7% from three and 57.1% from two, while maintaining a stellar turnover rate of just 12.5%.
Defensively, Purdue excels on the glass and in forcing turnovers, though their rim protection leaves room for improvement. Indiana will need to capitalize on their perimeter shooting to stand a chance, as Purdue’s opponents are hitting 35.7% from three in conference play.
What It Comes Down To
Projections favor Purdue, with KenPom giving them an 11-point edge and just a 17% chance for an IU win. Bart Torvik is slightly more optimistic for Indiana, giving them an 18% chance of an upset.
Indiana hasn’t triumphed at Mackey Arena since 2023, and the atmosphere promises to be electric. It’s a daunting task, but an Indiana win could be a game-changer for their postseason dreams. A loss, however, would heighten the stakes for their remaining games.