Former Boilermakers Hyped Up for No. 13 Purdue vs. No. 2 Alabama
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Everyone loves watching a premier matchup in college basketball. And when No. 2 Alabama rolls into Mackey Arena on Friday night to play No. 13 Purdue, a few former Boilermakers will be amped up for the game.
On social media, a handful of former Purdue players sent out posts talking about their excitement for Friday's top-15 clash between the Boilermakers and Crimson Tide. Some of the names include Lance Jones, Ryne Smith and Rapheal Davis.
All three played in some pretty big games during their respective careers in West Lafayette, but these types of matchups always create a lot of buzz.
"I know Mackey is gonna be rocking tonight," Jones wrote on X.
I just know Mackey is gonna be rocking tonight !! 🫨
— Lance Jones (@LanceBuckets) November 15, 2024
Smith sent out a message that read, "Mackey Arena is BUZZIN right now — can't imagine what it's going to be like come 7 p.m. Need (The Paint Crew) to hit up Harry's (Chocolate Shoppe) before the game, have a few Play Hard beers and be ready to blow that roof off."
Mackey Arena is BUZZIN right now - can’t imagine what it’s going to be like come 7:00pm.
— Ryne Smith (@RyneSmith_) November 15, 2024
Need the @ThePaintCrew to hit up Harry’s before the game, have a few Play Hard Beers and be ready to blow that roof off.
LFG!!! #BoilerUp #BeatBama
Davis posed his excitement in the form of a question, asking everyone, "How Purdue fans feeling about (Friday)?" He also followed it up by saying Mackey was the "Best arena in the country."
Best Arena in the Country. 🗣️ https://t.co/Ka7GR424KQ pic.twitter.com/iZsSp0gmHx
— Rapheal Davis (@RaphealDavis3) November 14, 2024
Purdue and Alabama both reached the Final Four last season and the two teams played during the nonconference portion of the schedule during the 2023-24 campaign. The Boilermakers escaped with a 92-86 win in a shootout.
Will we see the same level of offensive fireworks in Mackey Arena on Friday night? It should be a fun one for everyone watching.
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HOW TO WATCH PURDUE-ALABAMA: A premier showdown is scheduled at Mackey Arena on Friday, as No. 13 Purdue hosts No. 2 Alabama. Information on how to watch, listen, key players and the coaching matchup. CLICK HERE
PURDUE VS. ALABAMA POINT SPREAD: Purdue is playing a rough nonconference schedule and it might not get any tougher that No. 2 Alabama on Friday night at Mackey Arena. The Crimson Tide is favored. Here's the latest on the point spread, with a good history on both teams. CLICK HERE
5 INTERESTING NUMBERS FOR PURDUE-ALABAMA: No. 13 Purdue hosts No. 2 Alabama on Friday night at Mackey Arena. Here are five interesting numbers to keep in mind for college basketball's big showdown. CLICK HERE
MORE THAN 20 SCOUTS ATTENDING PURDUE-ALABAMA: Several NBA scouts will be on hand for Friday night's matchup between No. 2 Alabama and No. 13 Purdue at Mackey Arena. CLICK HERE
OATS COMPLIMENTARY OF PURDUE: Alabama coach Nate Oats had high praise for Matt Painter and Purdue's program, calling it "arguably the best" in college basketball over the last five seasons. CLICK HERE
Dustin Schutte is the publisher of Purdue Boilermakers on SI and has spent more than a decade working in sports journalism. His career began in 2013, when he covered Big Ten football. He remained in that role for eight years before working at On SI to cover the Boilermakers. Dustin graduated from Manchester University in Indiana in 2010, where he played for the men's tennis team.
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