Purdue, currently ranked No. 5, is set to host Washington in a midweek showdown. The game will take place on Wednesday, January 7, at 8:30 PM ET at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Purdue Boilermakers Overview
The Boilermakers enter the matchup with an impressive record of 13-1, including a 3-0 mark in conference play. This game will mark the beginning of a three-game homestand for Purdue, the longest of their season.
Upcoming Homestand Schedule
- January 7: vs. Washington
- January 10: vs. Penn State
- January 14: vs. No. 19 Iowa
Following this homestand, Purdue will embark on a West Coast trip, facing USC and UCLA.
Historical Matchup Against Washington
Wednesday’s game will be only the eighth meeting between Purdue and Washington, and the second since both teams joined the Big Ten. Purdue has emerged victorious in three consecutive games against the Huskies.
Previously, the Boilermakers defeated Washington 69-58 in Seattle last January. Notably, Washington has visited West Lafayette twice before, in December 1947 and 1966, both times losing. This matchup marks Washington’s first game at Mackey Arena.
Key Player Insights
Purdue’s Braden Smith recently became the Big Ten’s all-time leader in career assists during their last game, surpassing Cassius Winston. Smith now has 893 career assists as he prepares for the contest against Washington.
Purdue’s Recent Performance
In their last outing, the Boilermakers claimed a decisive 89-73 victory over Wisconsin, showcasing strong performance throughout the game. This victory was notable as it marked their largest win at the Kohl Center.
Additionally, Purdue has shown remarkable efficiency on both offense and defense. They rank first nationally in offensive efficiency, while also sitting 15th in defensive efficiency. This performance has contributed to their ongoing five-game winning streak.
Statistical Highlights
- 1st in offensive efficiency
- 15th in defensive efficiency
- Top-ranked assist rate at 65.6%
- 4th in assists per game (20.9)
- 2nd in assist/turnover ratio (2.09)
The matchup against Washington presents an opportunity for Purdue to match their best-ever start to a season at 14-1, a record achieved on eight previous occasions.
Conclusion
As Purdue prepares to host Washington in this exciting midweek showdown, fans can expect an intense matchup. The team looks to leverage their historical dominance and impressive current form to secure yet another victory at home.
