by Just two weeks ago, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Purdue would cruise to the Big Ten title as the Boilermakers had an 11-1 league record, a multiple-game lead in conference scoring and the No. 1 spot in the nation. But since then, the Boilermakers (23-4, 12-4 Big Ten) have lost three of four games as they prepare to host Ohio State during a Big Ten showdown on CBS Sunday.
Purdue, now at No. 3, remains a predicted No. 1 for the NCAA tournament in CBS esports pundit Jerry Palm’s bracketology. But the Boilermakers can’t afford a home loss to the struggling Buckeyes (11-5, 3-12) if they are to enter the closing stages of the regular season with a cushion in conference scoring.
Ohio State has lost 12 of its last 13 games since a 2-0 start against the Big Ten, and the Buckeyes were blown out again Thursday night as they suffered a 92-75 loss in Iowa. OSU shot 57% from the floor and made all 11 free throw attempts, but the Hawkeyes dominated in points from turnovers and second chance points as the Buckeyes once again looked overwhelmed.
Purdue led Maryland 28-25 at halftime Thursday but got caught in a buzz saw in the second half as the Terrapins shot 63% off the floor after halftime and an 18-point lead en route to a 68-54 win expand. Luckily for the Boilermakers, three of their last four games are at home after all three of their recent losses have been played at Mackey Arena.
From a matchup standpoint, the game pits some of the Big Ten’s best freshmen against one another, while dynamic Ohio State forward Brice Sensabaugh takes on Purdue’s guard duo Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer.
When those teams met again on Jan. 5, Purdue squeaked a 71-69 away win from behind a 13-of-31 performance from beyond the arc. Smith and Loyer each made 3 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to give Ohio State its first league loss. If the rematch is as competitive as the first game, we’re in for a good game.
How to watch Purdue vs. Ohio State live
Date: Sunday 19 February | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Mackey Arena—West Lafayette, Indiana
TV: CBS | Live broadcast: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
Purdue vs. Ohio State prediction, tips
Featured Game | Purdue Boilermakers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Purdue should be furious after being punched in the stomach in the second half of a 68-54 loss in Maryland on Thursday. The Boilermakers return home with a chip on their shoulder after three losses in their last four games suddenly jeopardized their hopes for a Big Ten title and the No. 1 ranking in the NCAA tournament. Watch for this team to react with an advantage in front of the home crowd and easily deal with an Ohio State team that no longer looks competitive. Forecast: Purdue -12.5
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