The time has finally came. Indiana is preparing to host the Purdue Boilermakers tonight at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

Purdue is ranked #2 on the new AP-Top 25 poll and is ranked #2 on the Kenpom rankings. Indiana comes in to tonight ranked #91 in the Kenpom rankings.

For Indiana, defeating Purdue could mean more than a rivalry win. IU is currently out of most analysts national tournament brackets, but a win over #2 Purdue could give them the big win that could push them into post season play.

Look into Indiana : Kel’el Ware, Mackenzie Mgbako, and Malik Reneau are the three headed monster for the Hoosiers. They’ve struggled to find their true point guard throughout the season, but at this point it has to be Trey Galloway. Galloway has the ability to work downhill, but will probably be defended by Lance Jones. Assembly Hall will be loud, and fans will pack the stadium despite their fans seeming to turn against their Hoosiers this season. While their 12-5 record shows success, they’re barely beating bad teams, and have struggled, likewise to Purdue, on the road in the Big Ten.

What could work for IU – Indiana will have to make more threes than normal. Even in their most recent home victory they only shot 6-14 from beyond the arc. Edey in the paint typically scares most teams away from attacking the basket, but Indiana’s entire 117th ranked offense has been attacking the basket. Malik Reneau is going to have to have a terrific game if Indiana wants to continue their hot streak over Purdue. All together, Indiana will need to play a perfect basketball game, and continue to force Purdue to turn the ball over to defeat the Boilermakers tonight.

How will Purdue defend Reneau? Will Trey-Kaufman Renn be able to defend Reneau? I imagine TKR will be in the starting lineup and will be defending Reneau, but throughout the game I’m interested to see how Purdue attacks the double teams as soon as Malik catches the ball. The issue there, is Ware has been dominant this year when teammates get doubled, as he reminds me of Trayce Jackson Davis when it comes to catching the lob and being able to dunk the basketball with ease.

For Purdue : I expect a big first half from Lance Jones. If Jones can get hot in the first half, he’ll give Purdue a major boost for the rest of the game. One matchup that will be interesting is who Mackenzie Mgbako will be defending. I expect him to defend either Lance Jones or Fletcher Loyer. Whichever guard he has to defend, I see them having a big night. Mgbako is a poor defender and has been very slow to adapt to defending at this level of basketball.

Score Prediction : Purdue wins 82-70

Where to watch : Peacock

Where to listen : Varsity Sports Network