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2017 Big Ten Tournament: Purdue vs. Michigan preview, prediction, TV schedule

By Brock Zimmermann

Feb 14, 2017; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) is guarded by Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Deshawn Freeman (33) at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeated Rutgers 74-55. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2017; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) is guarded by Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Deshawn Freeman (33) at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeated Rutgers 74-55. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The No. 13 Purdue Boilermakers will take on the Michigan Wolverines in a Big Ten basketball tournament quarterfinal match up with much more than just bragging rights on the line.

TV Schedule: Friday, March 10, 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: Verizon Center, Washington D.C.

Michigan enters the game after soundly defeating Illinois, 75-55, in the Big Ten tournament second round. The team was in a plane crash and arrived in Washington D.C. just two hours before tip-off. No one is seriously hurt, but several players have cuts, a lack of rest, and shaken nerves.

The Wolverines came out ready to play and executed even after their rough travel experience. They jumped out to an early lead and dominated the first half. They never trailed in the game. Four Wolverines scored in double figures and the team shot 53.6 percent on field goals.

Purdue enters as the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten tournament but lost the only meeting with Michigan this year. The Wolverines beat Purdue, 82-70, on February 25, in Ann Arbor. The Boilermakers are the better team on paper, but face match-up challenges against Michigan.

The Boilermakers struggle away from home and will need to be more efficient for this game. They were sloppy and fell behind early and Michigan cruised to a 12-point victory.

Caleb Swanigan leads the nation in double-doubles with 25 games. He is one of the best big men defenders in the country, but he will have his hands full with Michigan Forward Moritz Wagner. The German scored a season-high 24 points against Swanigan and Purdue in their only meeting.

Next: 5 Big Ten tournament storylines for Purdue

Purdue will need to get to the free throw line more to have a better chance in this game. They were limited to eight attempts in the first meeting. Michigan is playing with pride, but Purdue also is playing with a chip on their shoulder for national respect.

Prediction: Purdue 78, Michigan 73

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