Indiana Basketball Game Preview: Purdue – key storyline, injury report, how to watch

Indiana basketball continues Big Ten Conference play in its 125th season of competition against No. 13/14 Purdue at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 23, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Hoosiers are coming off a week long break after suffering a loss to UCLA.

The Boilermakers enter the game on a three-game skid and a record of 19-8 (11-5 Big Ten) under 20th-year head coach Matt Painter. Purdue is led by 16.1 points, 8.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game from junior guard Braden Smith. Junior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn has added a team-best 19.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per night.

Tipoff is set for 1:30 ET on CBS.

Below is the full preview.

Key Indiana basketball storyline

Have to find a way to win if you want to make the NCAA Tournament

It is still crazy to think that Indiana basketball still has a pulse when it comes to making the NCAA Tournament. It has been hammered home just how much of an opportunity Indiana has to boost their resume and while they did not make full advantage of that, they still have hope.

The chances for Indiana basketball to make the big dance are now very slim with only really a few opportunities left for them to boost their resume. It starts with Purdue today, which is a must win game.

The Boilermakers are the toughest test remaining on Indiana’s schedule by far. The Hoosiers played Purdue well at Mackey Arena but could not find the find. The good thing for Indiana, this game is at home so they at least have that advantage.

If Indiana wins this game, they are like back on the right side of the bubble. If they lose, there is probably no path to make the NCAA Tournament other than winning the Big Ten Tournament.

Series History

For the 221st times in program history, Indiana will take on archrival Purdue. No team has appeared on the IU schedule more often than Purdue. The Boilers hold a 128-92 advantage and have won three straight in the series.

On Jan. 31, Indiana took No. 10 Purdue down to the wire in an 81-76 loss at Mackey Arena. Sophomore forward Mackenzie Mgbako scored a game-high 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the floor. The Hoosier bench, led by fifth-year senior guard Trey Galloway (15 points, 5 assists) and senior forward Luke Goode (13 points) outscored the Boilermakers 28-14.

Indiana basketball injury updates

Gabe Cupps: Indiana basketball sophomore guard Gabe Cupps underwent a successful surgery to treat a preexisting, nagging injury to his lower body. He is out for the season.

Jakai Newton: The sophomore has missed multiple games this season. He is expected to be out.

Quick Hitters

Who?: Indiana (15-11) (6-9) vs Purdue (19-8( (11-5)

When?:Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 • 1:30 p.m. ET

Where?: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (17,222) • Bloomington, Ind.

TV: CBS (Andrew Catalon, Steve Lappas)

Radio: IU Radio Network (Don Fischer, Errek Suhr, John Herrick)

Betting Lines: Indiana basketball is listed as a 3.5-point underdog per DraftKings Sportsbook.

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