Preview: Michigan State at Purdue in Big Ten Women’s Basketball

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Interstat) — A surging Michigan State squad aims to continue its dominant season when it visits a Purdue team seeking consistency in a Big Ten Conference matchup Thursday night at Mackey Arena.

The Spartans (18-2, 7-1 Big Ten) enter with one of the nation’s top records, having won seven of their last eight games. Their only loss in that stretch was a 75-68 defeat at Iowa on Jan. 18. They are coming off a 74-68 home victory over Southern California last Thursday, led by 21 points from guard Kennedy Blair.

Blair, a dynamic junior, has been the engine for Michigan State. Over her last seven games, she is averaging nearly 16 points, five rebounds and five assists per contest, including a near triple-double of 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a win over Illinois on Jan. 4.

Purdue (11-9, 3-5) snapped a three-game skid with an 80-69 home win over Indiana last Sunday. The Boilermakers’ season has been marked by volatility, with the win over the Hoosiers preceded by road losses at UCLA and USC by a combined 74 points.

Guard Madison Layden-Zay paces Purdue. She filled the stat sheet with 12 points, four rebounds, six assists and two blocks in the win over Indiana. She has shown scoring prowess, with 18 and 19-point performances in recent victories, but the Boilermakers will need a complete effort to challenge the Spartans.

The matchup features a stark contrast in momentum. Michigan State’s balanced attack and stout defense, allowing just 64.2 points per game, will test a Purdue offense that has been held under 65 points in six of its nine losses.

Historically, Purdue leads the all-time series 48-41, but Michigan State has won three of the last five meetings. The Spartans won both matchups last season.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST. Michigan State will host Michigan on Sunday, while Purdue travels to Minnesota.