Preview: Purdue Hosts Iowa in Big Ten Showdown

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Interstat) — The fourth-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will put their dominant home-court advantage on the line Wednesday night against the visiting Iowa Hawkeyes in a key Big Ten Conference men’s basketball matchup.

Purdue (15-1, 3-0 Big Ten) has been nearly flawless this season, with its only loss coming against Iowa State on Dec. 6. The Boilermakers have since reeled off nine consecutive victories, averaging 88.2 points per game during that stretch. Their success is anchored by star guard Braden Smith, who is coming off a 26-point, 14-assist performance in Saturday’s 93-85 win over Penn State. Over his last five games, Smith is averaging 17.2 points and 11.0 assists, orchestrating one of the country’s most efficient offenses.

Iowa (12-4, 0-2) enters Mackey Arena seeking its first conference win after dropping its first two Big Ten contests by a combined nine points. The Hawkeyes fell 75-69 to Illinois on Sunday, despite a strong all-around effort from forward Tavion Banks, who contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Banks has been a consistent performer, scoring in double figures in four of his last five games. Iowa’s offense, which averages over 78 points per game, will need to be sharp to keep pace with Purdue’s high-powered attack.

The challenge for the Hawkeyes is monumental. Purdue is 9-0 at home this season, winning by an average margin of 30.2 points at Mackey Arena. Iowa has struggled recently on the road in conference play, including a loss at Minnesota on Jan. 6.

Defensively, Iowa must find a way to disrupt Smith’s rhythm and contain a Purdue frontcourt that features productive big man Oscar Cluff, who scored 23 points against Penn State. For Purdue, limiting Iowa’s transition opportunities and containing Banks in the paint will be key.

This game marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They are scheduled to meet again in Iowa City on Feb. 14.

Wednesday’s contest tips off at 9 p.m. EST and will be televised on the Big Ten Network.