Indiana vs Purdue: A Collision Course

Two great places to watch college basketball

We had the privilege to cover games this weekend at both Assembly Hall and Mackey Arena. What a great weekend of hoops as the Hoosiers have won five games in a row and the Boilermakers are the best team in the country. Both teams won convincingly on Saturday. Here are a few things about the iconic venues.

• Mackey Arena is loud and every fan is deeply involved
• Assembly Hall is equally as impressive during big games
• Home team has a huge advantage in each building

Purdue has a connected team

• Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo on Purdue and Coach Painter. “It’s the best role coaching job in the country.” He went on about players just doing their job for Purdue
• The players appreciate one another and are enjoying the time spent on and off the court. Zach Edey when asked about teammate David Jenkins, “He is old” in sharing the value of experience
• Purdue Coach Matt Painter on Zach Edey “He is an unselfish player” on a night he goes off for 38 points

Indiana has found a rhythm

• In winning 5 games in a row, Indiana has returned to playing outstanding defense
• Trayce Jackson Davis is playing at an elite level. He is scoring, rebounding and passing the ball at such high levels
• Jalen Hood Schifino scored 22 points vs Ohio St and 20 in the 1st half to set the tone for the Hoosiers. Coach Mike Woodson, “Jalen was sick, you gotta play when you are sick” Not bad for a player under the weather

Feb 4th- The Rivalry Resumes

• Hasn’t been much of a rivalry the last few years. Indiana and Purdue split games last year.
• How will Indiana choose to guard Zach Edey?
• Which Indiana wing player will step up and make shots?
• Can Purdue’s young guards continue to play well in their 1st experience in Assembly Hall?
• What will the pace of play be? Fast or slow and who benefits from each type?

Advice to fans

• Root hard for your team
• Keep the vulgarity out of your cheers/chants and posts
• Respect the participants. These young men are talented and fun to watch on both sides