Purdue, Indiana Face Off in High-Stakes Rivalry Amid Diverging Seasons

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – No. 10 Purdue and Indiana are set to clash Friday night in a high-stakes rivalry game at Mackey Arena, with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. The Boilermakers (16-5, 8-2 Big Ten) are riding a wave of momentum, having won eight of their last nine games, while the Hoosiers (14-7, 5-5) are struggling, having lost four of their last five.

Purdue, which has won back-to-back Big Ten regular-season titles, remains in contention for another despite the departure of two-time National Player of the Year Zach Edey. The Boilermakers are currently second in the conference standings, one game ahead of Michigan. Indiana, meanwhile, is in danger of finishing outside the top five of the Big Ten standings for the third time in four years under head coach Mike Woodson.

The Hoosiers are 12.5-point underdogs heading into the game, reflecting their recent struggles. “It’s gotten ugly,” said one analyst, referencing the growing discontent among Indiana fans, who have taken to chanting “Fire Woodson” during home games. Purdue, on the other hand, is looking to extend its dominance over its in-state rival, having finished ahead of Indiana in the Big Ten standings for eight consecutive years.

Indiana will be without guards Kanaan Carlyle, Gabe Cupps, and Jakai Newton for Friday’s game. Carlyle, who has started six games this season, is a new addition to the availability report. Purdue, meanwhile, is expected to start Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, C.J. Cox, Caleb Furst, and Trey Kaufman-Renn, the same lineup that helped the Boilermakers blow out Michigan 91-64 last Friday.

The game will be a test of resilience for both teams. Purdue is looking to solidify its position in the Big Ten standings, while Indiana is fighting to salvage its season and potentially save Woodson’s job. “This is a must-win for Indiana,” said one commentator. “But Purdue is playing like a team on a mission.”