Today’s matchup in Ann Arbor, Michigan between Purdue basketball and Michigan features two teams headed in completely different directions.
Purdue enters at 24-3 overall, 13-3 Big Ten and fresh off an impressive 96-68 win over Rutgers. Michigan, on the other hand, limps in at 8-19, 3-13 and fell 76-62 against Northwestern. The Wolverines have lost nine of their last 10 games and have been riddled with injuries this season.
Against Rutgers, Zach Edey paced Purdue basketball with 25 points and was a perfect 11-of-11 from the free throw line. Cam Heide added 18 points in 19 minutes, as the Boilermakers reminded people who they were, according to Edey.
“We know who we are through a loss and through a win,” Edey said. “Anytime you have a loss, you want to come out the next game and prove we’re the same team and nothing has changed.”
Injuries, Suspensions have hurt Wolverines
Injuries and suspensions have done Michigan no favors this season, as they have been hampered more times than not.
The Wolverines should get a spark, however, with the return of Dug McDaniel. The leading scorer missed six road games after being suspended for academic issues. While McDaniel returned, Michigan lost Olivier Nkamhoua, who averaged just under 15 points per game, to season-ending wrist surgery. Will Tschetter was out against Northwestern due to being sick.
McDaniel leads the Wolverines at 16.6 points and 4.6 assists per game.
Purdue basketball rolled last meeting
The last two times these teams played, Purdue basketball dismantled Michigan, 99-67, at Mackey Arena.
In that game, Lance Jones scored 26 points, while Michigan did a good job of keeping Edey at bay. Edey was held to 6-of-13 shooting from the field and scored 16 points, while recording 10 rebounds.
Purdue can move one step closer to locking up the Big Ten regular season title with a victory at Michigan. Tip off is set for 2 p.m. in Ann Arbor.
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