Purdue Coach Matt Painter Explains Why Indiana Still Dangerous to Boilermakers

Purdue Boilermakers coach Matt Painter doesn't sleep any easier knowing his team beat the Indiana Hoosiers 87-66 at Assembly Hall a month ago. He still believes the in-state rival can present serious problems at Mackey Arena Saturday night.

Purdue's 21-point victory over Indiana on Jan. 16 at Assembly Hall doesn't mean much to coach Matt Painter. Heading into Saturday's rivalry game at Mackey Arena, he still believes the Hoosiers can present some dangerous problems for the Boilermakers.

Indiana is just 2-4 in its last six games, which includes the 87-66 loss to Purdue in Bloomington last month. At 14-9 and 6-6 in the Big Ten standings, the Hoosiers need a miraculous run to wiggle into the NCAA Tournament discussion.

That's a scary thing for Purdue. 

"Anytime your back's against the wall and you gotta get a win — you know, this win would be the best win on their resumé," Painter said in a video posted by GoldandBlack.com. "So, yeah, you have to be cognizant of that, understand that."

Purdue has the benefit of home-court advantage, owning an 11-0 record at Mackey Arena entering Saturday's game against Indiana. The Boilermakers are also on a seven-game winning streak, which includes a road win over then-No. 6 Wisconsin on Sunday.

While Indiana heads to West Lafayette desperate for a win, it isn't the only team with something on the line. Painter said there's a lot at stake for the Boilermakers, as well.

"We're playing for something, too," he said. "If our guys need something else to get motivated when you're playing your rival besides just trying to beat your rival straight up and sweep them for the year. Then, getting one step closer to putting yourself in position for a Big Ten championship, then I think we got some issues."

Related stories on Purdue-Indiana 

• MEET THE OPPONENT: Purdue is having its way in Big Ten play again, posting a 10-2 conference record and seven consecutive wins. Led by reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey and plenty of 3-point shooters, this could be the year Purdue breaks through in the NCAA Tournament. Here's a full breakdown of Indiana's Saturday opponent, the Purdue Boilermakers. CLICK HERE
• BRADEN SMITH TOP-6 PG: Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith was listed as one of the top-six point guards in college basketball, according to ESPN's Dick Vitale. The sophomore is averaging 12.5 points, 7.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game during the 2023-24 season. CLICK HERE
• WHAT IF PAINTER WENT TO IU: Matt Painter owns Indiana right now, with the Purdue coach winning nine straight games against the Hoosiers and adding more pain to a program that's losing all the blue out of its blood. But what if Matt Painter's life would have gone down a different path? CLICK HERE