Purdue, IU men's basketball teams prepare for Big Ten conference play
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Can the Boilermakers make another title run? Photo: Michael Hickey/Getty Images
The Boilermakers and Hoosiers are ready to show the Big Ten's west coast newcomers that the heart of college hoops resides in Indiana.
Why it matters: Stacking up early non-conference wins helps build momentum ahead of the start of men's Big Ten conference play on Dec. 3.
- The 20-game league schedule will build to a Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis with new qualification rules to accommodate the expanded conference.
The intrigue: The No. 13 Purdue and No. 16 IU men's basketball teams being undefeated this early in the season is in line with high expectations for both nationally ranked programs.
- But anything is possible. Especially in March.
Zoom in: Purdue and IU are the highest-ranked teams in the Big Ten, followed by No. 21 Ohio State and No. 24 Rutgers.
- Purdue is trying to return to the National Championship game and prove that they're still one of the best teams in college basketball behind the leadership of Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year Braden Smith.
- The Hoosiers are looking to bounce back from missing the postseason for the first time in three years by capitalizing on a collection of big transfer pickups.
What they're saying: "I think we took a step backwards last year by not making the tournament. That was kind of disappointing. But again, we got to move forward," IU coach Mike Woodson said during Big Ten Media Day last month. "At the end of the day along with these guys, this is about winning Big Ten titles and winning national titles. That's why I came back."
- "Obviously (we are) trying to win three Big Ten championships in a row and just keep that carrot in front of us," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "We also know that it's going to be very hard … in non-conference, you have to get yourself prepared because it is such a bear when you get to Big Ten play."
State of play: With the expansion to 18 teams, the 2025 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament will only include the top 15 teams.
- The best four teams will enter the tournament with a double bye.
- Teams ranked 5-9 get a single bye, and teams ranked 10-15 will play in the preliminary rounds.
- The five-day tournament will be March 12-16 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
What's next: Purdue's next game is 7pm Friday in West Lafayette against No. 2 Alabama. Tickets start at $161.
- IU's next game is 3pm Saturday in Bloomington against South Carolina. Tickets start at $34.