Purdue And Iowa made it their mission to dominate non-conference games. Since the start of the 2021-22 season, Purdue and Iowa State are a combined 99-9 against non-league opponents. Those are the best two marks in the sport, and they both ended November without an “L” on the ledger.
That makes Saturday's difference between No. 1 Purdue and No. 10 Iowa State a paradox unlike any other: an irresistible force meeting an immovable object between two undefeated teams that are built on holding.
Purdue retains the Big Three Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn And Fletcher Rent. Iowa State retains its Big Three Taemin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic And Joshua Jefferson.
They play differently, but Iowa State and Purdue have a lot in common.
However, only one will emerge untainted.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the decider.
Where to watch Purdue vs. Iowa State live
Date: Saturday 6 December | Time: 12:00 pm ET
Location: Mackey Arena – West Lafayette, Indiana.
TV: CBS | Live broadcast: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App
Streaming enabled Paramount+ Premium
Purdue vs. Iowa State: Need to know
Will Taemin play Lipsey?: This storyline loomed over the top 10 duel. Lipsey suffered a serious leg injury late in the game against Iowa State. St. John's November 24. Less than two weeks later, Lipsey's status for Saturday's tilt is still up in the air, but he practiced on Friday, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports. Lipsey is one of the best shooting guards in the sport, and he regained some of his offensive ability early in the game. If he can suit up, we'll be thrilled because Purdue's Braden Smith and Lipsey might be the two best point guards in America.
Joshua Jefferson vs. Trey Kaufman-Renne – Best of the Best: No leading frontcourt player averages more assists than Joshua Jefferson (5.6 per game). He just had 10 straight assists in fights. Syracuse And Alcorn Stateand Jefferson's assist rate jumped to 28.3. Absolutely awesome stuff. How does Purdue take Jefferson? Part of that may involve making him work on the other end of the line, protecting Kaufman-Rennes. The Purdue senior combines sophistication with incredible power. Kaufman-Rennes still has one of the best soft-touch pushes in the sport, but this year he has gone completely crazy on the glass against four-man opposition. But Jefferson is not lazy on the board and craves physical strength. The winner of this individual match could tip the scales.
Incoming corner triples: Iowa State's devastating defensive pressure leads the nation in turnover rates. They rebound the ball better than anyone else, but against the Clones, you can find open corner 3-pointers if you can handle the onslaught of smart bigs. Kaufman-Rennes is a willing playmaker, and this could be where “Big Game Fletch” could emerge again. Fletcher Loyer has been an absolute bust this season, shooting over 49% of his shots from downtown. C.J. Cox drained 39% of his 28 three-point attempts. If Cox and Leuer punish this defense with corner threes, Iowa State is in a tough spot.
Purdue vs. Iowa State Picks Predictions
Ironically, Iowa State and Purdue were Oscar Cluff two of the biggest suitors in the transfer portal last spring. Purdue won this recruiting battle, and Iowa State wisely moved to Virginia Blake Buchananwho has given the Cyclones a lot of quality minutes this season. Lipsey (if he plays) vs. Smith is a good fight. Jefferson vs. Kaufman-Renn is an outstanding fight. But I wouldn't be surprised if the winner is the team that achieves the best result in 5th place. Can Buchanan stay out of trouble and keep Purdue out of the glass? Will Cluff be able to make wise decisions and score or distribute points effectively?
In the past, Purdue has struggled with turnover-causing defenses (Penn State comes to mind), but I think this group has more answers to the test this time around, especially since Cluff and Kaufmann-Renn are excellent passers. Purdue has bodies to throw at Jefferson, and Cox should be able to hold his own against Iowa State's guards. Milan Momcilovic has a real size advantage: 3rd for Iowa State. I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few dropbacks in the middle post to prey on some of Purdue's smaller defenders, but the Boilermakers' defense has limited shots to the rim at a stratospheric rate this season. If this turns into a jump shooting competition, give me the home team. Iowa State is shooting a staggering 43.3% from downtown this year (third in America), but I've seen too many teams with good shooting go into McKee and miss their jumpers to think that will stick. Pick: Purdue -4.5
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