Purdue Guard Jaden Ivey Uncertain for Sunday Matchup Against Northwestern due to Injury
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The No. 4-ranked Purdue basketball team could be without its leading scorer for a home matchup against Northwestern on Sunday at Mackey Arena.
Sophomore guard Jaden Ivey, who suffered a hip flexor injury before the team's loss to Indiana on Thursday, has not participated in practice for the last two days. He currently leads the Boilermakers with 16.7 points and 1.3 blocks per game while averaging a team-high 29.3 minutes per contest.
Ivey said after the recent loss that he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to play. He appears to be facing the same situation before the team hosts the Wildcats.
"It's bothered him, so we sat him out. But we'll see how it looks (Sunday)," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "I could see him playing, I could see him not playing. Obviously, it's his call on how he feels."
In a 68-65 loss to the Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Ivey posted 19 of his 21 points in the second half. It was the fifth time this season he has surpassed 20 points in a game.
Ahead of the team's upcoming matchup, Painter indicated that there isn't simply one player that would step in if Ivey is unable to suit up. All the guards — Ethan Morton, Brandon Newman and Eric Hunter Jr. — could all see increased playing time in the absence of Ivey.
Hunter, who primarily serves as a substitute for point guard Isaiah Thompson, has the ability to play alongside Thompson if need be. Should Ivey be out of the lineup, it would be a huge blow to the Boilermakers, who now sit at 15-3 on the season and are looking for a bounce-back performance.
Stories Related to Purdue Basketball
- HOW PURDUE FAILED TO CLOSE OUT AGAINST INDIANA: No. 4 Purdue led Indiana by two points with a minute left to play Thursday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The Boilermakers had opportunities to close out the Hoosiers, but the team was unable to put the game away in the waning seconds. CLICK HERE
- PURDUE DROPS ROAD MATCHUP AGAINST INDIANA: Purdue basketball was unable to put away Indiana on the road Thursday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Sophomore guard Jaden Ivey scored a team-high 21 points in the loss, but 20 points from Rob Phinisee propelled the Hoosiers to victory. CLICK HERE
- PURDUE, INDIANA LIVE BLOG: Purdue basketball was on the road for a rivalry matchup with Indiana. The Boilermakers were looking to win their 10th straight game against the Hoosiers, who entered the game with an undefeated record at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. CLICK HERE
- PURDUE HANDS ILLINOIS FIRST BIG TEN LOSS: Senior guard Sasha Stefanovic scored made five 3-pointers and scored 22 points while leading Purdue to a double-overtime victory over Illinois on the road. Sophomore center Zach Edey notched 20 points and didn't turn the ball over in the win. CLICK HERE
- EDEY, WILLIAMS OUTPLAY COCKBURN: Purdue sophomore center Zach Edey scored 20 points in the team's 96-88 double-overtime victory over Illinois. He and senior forward Trevion Williams held Kofi Cockburn to 10 points and five rebounds before the Fighting Illini center fouled out. CLICK HERE
- TREVION WILLIAMS ON WHY HE CAME BACK: Purdue forward Trevion Williams joined the Sasha Live! last week and senior spoke about his experiences testing the NBA waters and his decision to return to a Boilermakers program that he believes is building something special this season. CLICK HERE
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