Purdue Hosts Akron in Key Showdown for Coach Matt Painter’s 500th Win

West Lafayette, Ind. – The No. 2-ranked Purdue Boilermakers will face the Akron Zips on Sunday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m. ET in a pivotal match at Mackey Arena. This game is Purdue’s only home game between November 7 and November 28, making it a crucial opportunity for the team as they aim for a 4-0 start for the fifth consecutive season.

Head coach Matt Painter is on the verge of a significant milestone, needing just one win to reach 500 victories in his collegiate coaching career. Purdue (3-0) will face Akron (3-0), which has an impressive scoring average of 99.3 points per game, a challenge for the Boilermakers’ defense.

Despite the high-scoring threat from Akron, Purdue boasts a strong assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking fifth nationally with 60 assists and 22 turnovers this season. The Boilermakers have not lost a non-conference home game since November 9, 2019, holding a remarkable 34-game winning streak.

The previous meeting between Purdue and Akron was back in the 2000-01 season, adding an element of unpredictability to this upcoming clash. Notably, two Purdue centers, Cluff and Jacobsen, are averaging a combined 18 points and 15 rebounds per game, contributing to the team’s overall success.

Players to watch include Jaden Ivey, ranked No. 2 in the KenPom Player of the Year race, and the squad’s overall performance, which has ranked them among the nation’s best in various statistics, including 3-pointers made and scoring efficiency.

If successful, Purdue’s victory will not only improve their record but also mark a significant achievement for Coach Painter, setting the tone for their challenging season ahead.