Purdue, Illinois Look to Cap Regular Season Strong in Big Ten Finale

Purdue, Illinois Face Off After Dramatic Turnarounds

Less than two weeks ago, Purdue’s chances of making a deep NCAA Tournament run seemed shaky. Illinois’ hopes looked even worse after suffering the worst loss in program history.

Now, as the 18th-ranked Boilermakers travel to face Illinois in their Big Ten regular-season finale on Friday night, both teams are playing with renewed confidence and momentum.

Illinois Rebounds After Historic Loss

On February 22, Illinois hit rock bottom. The Illini were dismantled by Duke in a 110-67 loss at Madison Square Garden—the worst defeat in the program’s 120-year history.

Head coach Brad Underwood knew his team had two choices: crumble under the pressure or fight back.

“I couldn’t be prouder of a group of guys than I am this group,” Underwood said. “After New York, it would have been very easy to pitch a tent and say, ‘We’re done. We don’t want to fight very hard.’

“This group has done just the opposite. Some of the best practices of the year. Nice to be able to practice. But just to get the energy back in practice, it allows you to improve and get better.”

Illinois responded by demolishing Iowa and then-No. 15 Michigan, winning both games by 20 points.

A major improvement came from beyond the arc. After shooting just 26.2 percent from three in the previous 12 games, the Illini torched Michigan from deep, hitting 14 of 37 threes (37.8 percent) in their 93-73 victory.

Purdue Back on Track After Four-Game Skid

Purdue faced its own crisis earlier this month, suffering a four-game losing streak, the program’s longest in five years. But the Boilermakers have since turned things around, regaining their rhythm with dominant home wins over UCLA and Rutgers.

In Tuesday’s 100-71 victory against Rutgers, junior point guard Braden Smith stole the show. A frontrunner for Big Ten Player of the Year, Smith delivered a near-perfect performance, tallying 23 points, nine assists, seven three-pointers, and five rebounds in just 32 minutes.

Beyond Smith’s heroics, Purdue re-established its dominance on the glass. The Boilermakers outrebounded Rutgers 40-26, a stat that head coach Matt Painter emphasized as crucial to their success.

“We can’t get to the point of getting into transition and getting (Rutgers) on their heels if we don’t get turnovers and we don’t get rebounds,” Painter said. “Now we’re getting ready to have maybe the greatest challenge in that area because Illinois is the best rebounding team in the country.”

Illinois’ Rebounding Dominance a Key Factor

Illinois has been relentless on the boards all season, ranking second in the nation in rebounding with 42.9 rebounds per game, trailing only Alabama (43.7).

In their win over Michigan, the Illini outrebounded the Wolverines 43-32, turning second-chance opportunities into easy baskets. This physicality on the glass could be a major factor against Purdue, which also thrives in the rebounding battle.

Big Ten Tournament Seeding at Stake

The postseason implications of this game add another layer of intensity. Illinois already knows it will need to win four games in four days to repeat as Big Ten Tournament champions.

If the Illini lose, they are likely locked into the No. 8 seed, setting up a second-round matchup with either Indiana or Ohio State on March 12. A win, however, could elevate them to the No. 6 seed, improving their tournament path.

Purdue, currently tied with Wisconsin and Maryland for third place in the Big Ten, is looking to secure a higher seed as well.

The Big Ten Tournament runs from March 12-16 in Indianapolis, making Friday’s game a crucial final test before postseason play begins.

What to Expect in the Matchup

With both teams peaking at the right time, this matchup promises to be a physical battle.

For Purdue, the key will be Braden Smith’s ability to control the tempo and continue his elite shooting. If the Boilermakers win the rebounding battle and limit turnovers, they should be in a strong position.

For Illinois, crashing the glass and maintaining their improved three-point shooting will be critical. If they can dominate the boards and force Purdue into tough shots, they could complete their turnaround with another statement win.

With March Madness looming, both teams are eager to prove they are back on track. Expect a hard-fought, high-energy showdown as Purdue and Illinois look to enter the postseason on a high note.

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