Purdue Boilermakers vs Northwestern Wilcats Picks and Predictions January 5th 2025

Northwestern and No. 20 Purdue Set for Another Thrilling Big Ten Showdown

Sunday’s Big Ten matchup between Northwestern and No. 20 Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana, is shaping up to be another epic battle. If their previous matchups are any indication, fans can expect a nail-biting showdown between two determined teams striving to climb the conference standings.

A Rivalry Rekindled

Last season, Northwestern and Purdue split their two meetings in dramatic fashion. The Wildcats stunned then-No. 1 Purdue with a 92-88 overtime victory in Evanston, Illinois, in December 2023. Purdue answered back with a 105-96 home win in January when they were ranked No. 2. Both games showcased intense competition and high stakes, setting the stage for their next chapter.

Both teams enter this season without their marquee stars—Boo Buie for Northwestern and Zach Edey for Purdue. Despite these departures, their rosters remain strong with experienced players who thrive in high-pressure situations.

Northwestern’s Quest for Redemption

The Wildcats (10-4, 1-2 Big Ten) are coming off a heartbreaking 84-80 loss to Penn State on Thursday. A controversial goaltending call nullified what appeared to be a game-tying basket from Brooks Barnhizer, leaving Northwestern on the losing end.

Despite the loss, Northwestern has several bright spots:

• Brooks Barnhizer and Nick Martinelli: Both players are averaging 20.1 points per game, leading the Wildcats’ offense with consistency and skill.
• Ty Berry: While his scoring average has dipped to 7.8 points this season, Berry has a history of excelling against Purdue, scoring 21 and 25 points in their two games last year.

However, Northwestern’s aggressive defensive style backfired against Penn State, as they allowed an astonishing 45 free-throw attempts. Coach Chris Collins remains optimistic but recognizes the need for smarter defensive execution.
“We’re a physical team,” Collins said. “But there’s a way to play physical without fouling as much as we did.”

Purdue’s Balanced Attack

The Boilermakers (10-4, 2-1 Big Ten) enter Sunday’s game with momentum after an 81-61 victory over Minnesota. Purdue showcased its depth and versatility in the win, led by strong performances from their veteran players.

• Trey Kaufman-Renn: The forward has seamlessly stepped into a starring role, averaging 18.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
• Braden Smith: The dynamic guard averages 14.9 points and 8.7 assists per game, ranking third nationally in assists. Smith’s 20-point, 10-assist performance against Minnesota highlighted his ability to control the game.
• Fletcher Loyer: After a slow start to the season, Loyer has caught fire, scoring a season-high 24 points against Minnesota and draining four three-pointers in consecutive games.

Coach Matt Painter emphasized Smith’s critical role in Purdue’s success:
“He has the ball in his hands a lot, and we need the balance of that. He’s our engine on both ends of the court.”

Key Matchup: Northwestern Defense vs. Purdue Offense

The game will likely hinge on Northwestern’s ability to disrupt Purdue’s offense. The Wildcats must find a way to limit Trey Kaufman-Renn’s impact in the paint while also guarding the perimeter against sharpshooters like Loyer. Purdue, on the other hand, must sustain their offensive efficiency and keep Northwestern’s Barnhizer and Martinelli in check.

Dive into expert analysis of the John Wooden Award odds and predictions this season.

What’s at Stake?

For Northwestern, Sunday represents an opportunity to bounce back from recent struggles and prove their ability to compete with ranked teams on the road. For Purdue, the game is a chance to solidify their position as a Big Ten contender and protect their home court in front of a passionate fan base.

With both teams hungry for a statement win, this matchup is poised to deliver the drama and intensity fans have come to expect from these two programs.