Purdue vs. Indiana Prediction, Game Preview

Purdue vs. Indiana prediction and game preview. The visiting Boilermakers try to hand the rival Hoosiers their fourth loss in five games Thursday night.

Purdue vs. Indiana Game Preview

When: Thursday, Feb. 9 – 7 p.m. ET
Where: Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Ind.
TV Broadcast: ESPN2

The legend of Caleb Swanigan continues to grow. “Biggie” finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds in Saturday’s huge 73-72 win at Maryland, giving him his nation-leading 20th double-double. In fact, he’s gone only four games this season where he hasn’t recorded one. Swanigan especially has been impressive over Purdue’s last four games, averaging 22.3 points and 14.3 rebounds. His efforts have helped the 16th-ranked Boilermakers to a 19-5 overall record and 8-3 mark while making his case for national player of the year honors.

That’s a far cry from where Indiana stands as it tries to push through key injuries in hopes of simply qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. The Hoosiers (15-9, 5-6) have been without O.G. Anunoby because of knee surgery, and a lower-leg issue has sidelined James Blackmon for the last three games. There’s a chance he could return against the Boilermakers, but the Hoosiers will need more than just Blackmon’s presence.

Indiana has dropped three of its last four games, including a 30-point loss to Michigan and Sunday’s 65-60 defeat at Wisconsin. The main bright spot has been Pittsburgh transfer point guard Josh Newkirk, who dropped a career-high 27 points in a triple-overtime win over Penn State before netting 22 against the Badgers.

Purdue Wins If …

… Swanigan’s supporting cast steps up. The Boilermakers were lucky Maryland also shot poorly in Saturday’s showdown. Vincent Edwards went 0 of 7 from the field and didn’t get to the line, while Isaac Haas was 3 of 10 shooting, battled foul trouble and picked up a technical foul. Haas also committed a blunder at the end of the game that nearly cost Purdue. Freshman guard Carsen Edwards can be explosive, but he needs to work on shot selection. Swanigan will get his points and rebounds, but he needs more help.

Indiana Wins If …

… Blackmon returns and is back to his old self. Blackmon playing if he’s not 100 percent won’t make much of a difference. If he’s healthy, he’d be the best guard on the floor and give the Hoosiers another scoring threat. Having Blackmon might make all the difference. Thomas Bryant is going to have his hands full dealing with Swanigan and Haas, and counting on Newkirk, who was averaging 7.1 points per game prior to the past two, to continue scoring at his recent pace isn’t ideal.

Matchup To Watch

Carsen Edwards vs. Newkirk

Edwards is a very quick 6-foot guard who can score in bunches when he gets hot. He’s also a bit out of control at times and gets shot-happy. He’s a point guard who averages just 1.9 assists per game and didn’t have a single one in either of his last two despite playing 51 combined minutes. Edwards also shot 6 of 21 from the field in those contests.

Newkirk will be up against him most of the night and has to keep him from getting to the basket. Edwards also will have to do the same against Newkirk, who suddenly has found his scoring touch. One of these guards heating up would be an issue for the opposition.

Betting Odds

Spread: No line as of post
Over/Under: No line as of post