11. Purdue (16-5)
We’re seeing great basketball from Purdue this season, as this program has truly learned how to play well together, even with some key departures from last year’s trip to the national title game. A few tough outings in nonconference play have long since been forgotten with Purdue’s hot stretch in recent weeks, but could they continue that winning streak on their home floor this week?
Shockingly enough, the answer was no, as the Boilermakers were upset at home 73-70 by Ohio State back on Tuesday night. Trey Kaufman-Renn had 26 points and 7 rebounds but the Buckeyes shot the ball really well, handing Purdue their first loss in exactly one month. Friday became a major bounce-back effort, as Purdue got off to a hot start against Michigan, knocking off the Wolverines 91-64. It was another classic performance from Braden Smith with 24 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds while Fletcher Loyer added 18 points.
Purdue’s future prospects look great as long as they have that talented crew leading the charge. Those two junior guards have been a backbone for the Boilermakers in recent years and are only getting better, while Kaufman-Renn has been up to the task at the back end of this offense and defense. Moving forward, the Boilermakers will look to improve on that 8-2 record in league play with next week’s only game coming against rival Indiana.