Purdue University, currently ranked 6th with a record of 10-1, is set to face off against the 21st-ranked Auburn Tigers, who hold an 8-3 record, in the fourth annual Indy Classic. The highly anticipated matchup will take place on Saturday, December 20, at 6:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fans can catch the action live on Peacock and NBCSN, with a radio broadcast available on Purdue Global Radio Network.
This game presents a challenging test for the Boilermakers as they conclude their pre-Holiday schedule. Purdue is looking to secure its second victory against an SEC team from Alabama this season, following their earlier win over another Alabama school. After the Auburn game, the Boilermakers will return home to face Kent State on December 29, marking their final non-conference game of the year.
The matchup will be the fifth encounter between Purdue and Auburn, with each team having won two games prior. Auburn claimed victory in their last meeting, defeating Purdue 87-69 last year in Birmingham. However, Purdue won the two previous encounters convincingly, including a commendable 96-71 win during the 2016 Cancun Challenge title game.
Historically, Purdue boasts a 2-1 record in the Indy Classic, and this year’s game continues their trend of facing ranked opponents, having played top-25 teams in each of the last three tournaments. The Boilermakers hold a respectable all-time record of 37-37 in games played in Indianapolis, including 8-4 in their last 12 games there.
Purdue is entering this game on a high note, having recently decisively beaten Marquette 79-59, marking their fifth win of the season by a margin of 20 or more points. The team’s defense is shining, as they have kept opponents below 60 points in consecutive games for the first time since late December 2023, showcasing an impressive field goal percentage defense of merely 34.2% in these recent contests.
Under head coach Matt Painter, the Boilermakers are again demonstrating their prowess, achieving a 10-1 start for the seventh time during his tenure. Purdue’s performance in the Big Ten has also been commendable, marked by a significant average victory margin of 44 points in their first two conference games, the highest since the 1943-44 season.
Statistically, Purdue stands out nationally, ranking first in offensive efficiency and 24th in defensive efficiency based on advanced metrics. They lead the country with a remarkable assist rate of 65.3% of made field goals and rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage. However, despite lower shooting percentages from three-point range in recent games, the team’s interior scoring remains strong.
With key players like Oscar Cluff and Trey Kaufman-Renn excelling in their respective roles, Purdue’s chances for success hinge on maintaining their efficiency and defensive tenacity against Auburn. Additionally, Braden Smith ranks second nationally in assists per game, further solidifying Purdue’s dynamic offensive strategy.
As both teams prepare for this thrilling contest, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Purdue can continue its winning ways and assert its dominance against another top-tier opponent, adding another chapter to what has already been a remarkable season.