The fifth-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (12-1, 2-0) are set to continue their Big Ten campaign with an exciting matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers (9-4, 1-1) on Saturday, January 3, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 PM ET and will be broadcast live on FOX, featuring commentary from Jason Benetti and Jim Jackson. For radio listeners, coverage will be provided by the Purdue Global Radio Network with Rob Blackman and Bobby Riddell.
Purdue heads into the game with a four-game winning streak and is aiming for a 3-0 start in Big Ten play, a feat not achieved since the 2017-18 season. Wisconsin, meanwhile, is in the midst of a five-game homestand and hopes to bounce back after their recent loss to the Boilermakers in last season’s Big Ten Tournament as well as in Mackey Arena.
The rivalry between Purdue and Wisconsin will see the two teams clash for the 191st time, with Purdue leading the all-time series 114-76. Notably, their recent matchups have been extremely competitive; the last nine encounters have been decided by 10 points or fewer. The Boilermakers are 3-1 at the Kohl Center when ranked in the AP Top 5, including victories in their last two visits.
Key players to watch include Braden Smith, who has recorded double-digit assists in his last three games against the Badgers, and Fletcher Loyer, who boasts impressive shooting stats against Wisconsin. Additionally, Trey Kaufman-Renn scored a career-high 30 points when these teams last met, showcasing his scoring potential.
Purdue’s strong defensive record is marked by holding their last four opponents to under 60 points, a testament to their efficiency on both ends of the court. They rank first nationally in offensive efficiency and are in the top 20 for defensive efficiency, highlighting the balance of their gameplay. This season, they have excelled in several statistical categories, including assist rate and field goal percentages.
As Purdue approaches this pivotal game, they are on the cusp of achieving a 13-1 record for the third time in the last four seasons, demonstrating consistent performance. With Matt Painter set to coach his 700th game at Purdue, the Boilermakers are not only looking to extend their winning streak but also to mark this milestone with a victory against a formidable opponent.
Overall, the matchup promises an exciting atmosphere filled with competitive spirit, and it will be an opportunity for Purdue to solidify their position as a top contender in the Big Ten.