On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the No. 5-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (15-1, 5-0) will host the Iowa Hawkeyes (12-4, 2-3) at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana. The game is set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, featuring commentary from Kevin Kugler, Jordan Taylor, and Andy Katz, while Rob Blackman and Bobby Riddell will cover it on the Purdue Global Radio Network.
This matchup marks a significant moment as the Boilermakers aim to conclude their homestand on a high note with a remarkable 100th consecutive sellout crowd, coinciding with the anticipated return of the Paint Crew. Having already claimed victories against Washington and Penn State, Purdue is in pursuit of its eighth consecutive win, a feat they have achieved previously this season. Following the game against Iowa, Purdue will head out west to face USC and UCLA for the first time as Big Ten members.
Historically, this will be the 177th meeting between Purdue and Iowa, with the Boilermakers holding a 98-78 advantage in the series. Purdue has been dominant in recent years, winning 10 of the last 12 encounters, including four straight, each by at least nine points. The Boilermakers are particularly strong at Mackey Arena, having won their last six matchups there against the Hawkeyes by a combined margin of 114 points, consistently scoring at least 77 points in these contests.
Under the leadership of head coach Matt Painter, Purdue has experienced great success against Iowa at home, sporting a 13-1 record in their last 14 matchups in Mackey Arena. Star player Braden Smith is having a standout performance against the Hawkeyes, averaging 16.5 points and 6.5 assists while shooting 58.5 percent from the field in their previous games.
Purdue is riding high after a 93-85 victory over Penn State, showcasing impressive offensive efficiency with a field goal percentage of 57.6. The team is currently undefeated in Big Ten play for the first time since the 2017-18 season, and a win over Iowa would mark a significant milestone, achieving a 6-0 Big Ten start for just the fifth time in over 80 years.
The Boilermakers boast exceptional statistics this season, ranking in the top 20 nationally in several categories, including offensive efficiency, assist-to-turnover ratio, and 3-point shooting percentage. With their strong January performance, Purdue aims to maintain momentum, continuing their impressive run as they look to secure place in Big Ten history.
As excitement builds around this pivotal matchup, the support of The Paint Crew could further energize the Boilermakers, potentially leading them to another victory as they strive to solidify their standing in the conference.