No. 8 Purdue at. No. 265 Indiana

WHEN: Today, 8:30 p.m. EST
WHERE: Assembly Hall, Bloomington
TV: Big Ten Network
RECORDS: Purdue is 22-5, 11-3 Big Ten; Indiana 12-15, 3-11
OF NOTE: These two teams are headed in different directions at this point. When they met earlier this month that wasn’t necessarily the case. But now, Purdue has a four-game winning streak and Indiana has dropped four straight, including a 70-64 loss to Northwestern in Bloomington the last time out. Purdue is led in scoring by big man JaJuan Johnson, who’s averaging 20.4 points and 7.7 rebounds a game with fellow senior E’Twaun Moore notching 18.6 points a game, too. Indiana’s leading scorer is Christian Watford at 16.6 points a game.

Predictions: Purdue 68, Indiana 61 (Bridges). There’s no doubt this game concerns me. Here’s why: This is Indiana’s national title game. Its season is in the garbage and the only thing that could spice it up would be a win against hated-rival Purdue. Also, the Boilers are riding high coming off on the best week’s in program history with two wins against Top 10 teams. On top of that, surging Michigan State lurks on Sunday. Yes, this has the makings of a trap game although it’s hard to say that considering Purdue will be jacked for the rivalry. I see Purdue’s seniors handling the atmosphere and riding JaJuan Johnson’s 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks to a solid road win.

Purdue 72, Indiana 59 (Langdon). I’m not as worried about this game as I was after Indiana played at Mackey. I’m not sure why, but that’s how it is. Maybe I should be more worried. I’ll tweet at Tom Crean and see what he thinks.

Purdue 80, Indiana 70 (Nielsen). Indiana is going to be jacked for this game, no doubt about that. This game means everything to them since they have nothing else to look forward too. Purdue is coming off a huge week at home, but I think Painter has them focused. He was quoted before as saying if you lose to IU you will wish you weren’t recruited. Barlow is sure to draw most of the focus of the fans after his infamous/awesome choke gesture. After a tough first half, I look for Purdue to pull away in the second. IU has no answer for JJ or E’twaun.

Purdue 68, Indiana 55 (Nyatawa). In West Lafayette, Indiana controlled the tempo and that was mostly because Purdue showed up a bit lackadaisical as if the Hoosiers were going to roll over and the win would come easy. Don’t expect the same approach for the Boilers here. Purdue will come in focused and handle the hostile environment knowing it will have to play well to win and leaves with the ‘W’.