College basketball gets a treat in West Lafayette at noon as No. 1 Purdue takes on undefeated and No. 10 team in the country Iowa State.
This is an undefeated showdown between two of the most consistent programs over the last five years.
It's the No. 1 offense in the country against the No. 1 defense in the country aimed at forcing turnovers.
Two of the best program builders in the sport, Matt Painter and TJ Otzelberger, have built teams that are contenders every season.
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Both have 8-0 records heading into the top-10 matchup at Mackey Arena on Saturday.
Will Taemin play Lipsey?
Part of what makes Iowa State such a dangerous team is its experience, and there is no one on the roster more experienced than Lipsey.
But the senior, one of the nation's best point guards, has missed the Cyclones' last three games with a groin injury.
The good news for Iowa State is that Lipsey returned to practice this week.
Lipsey and Smith will be two of the best point guards this season. Lipsey is great on offense, scoring 18.4 points per game and 5.2 assists, but it's on defense where he really takes over the game. Lipsey averages 3.2 steals per game and will be one of the toughest defenders Smith could play with this season.
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But due to a soft tissue injury, it remains to be seen how aggressively Iowa State will work to bring Lipsey back into the rotation.
Iowa State's defense looks like Purdue's biggest problem
Purdue has already been tested this season. He boasts a big road win over Alabama and one of the most dominant performances of the season when he dominated Texas Tech.
But Iowa State is firmly in the top 10 in Kenpom's offensive and defensive ratings. He beat St. John's, Creighton and Syracuse.
Moreover, Iowa State's defense presents a unique challenge. Cyclones, as their name suggests, wreak havoc on the court. They cause the loss of almost 30% of holdings. Painter, when I asked what makes Iowa State so effective defensively, mentioned how Iowa State actually catches and holds the ball on the rim. This will be a problem for Braden Smith as he tries to get around defenses that will throw bodies and limbs at him and keep him out of the paint and on both sides of the floor.
Smith would at times find himself in traps where his small size made it difficult to get the ball out of his hands. But usually this happens for about one or two plays. Then Smith, chasing the all-time assists record, tends to use defensive aggressiveness against him.
It should be a little like Purdue vs. Houston in the Sweet Sixteen last season. Purdue was down on the final possession, but Smith was outstanding. Using Houston's traps to create impressions for his teammates and keep Purdue's offense going.
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Joshua Jefferson could be the best player Purdue faces this season.
According to Matt Painter, the unique thing about 6-9 older players is that most guys his size who can pass the ball can't do so off the dribble. Jefferson doesn't have that problem.
In many ways, Jefferson is the big man version of Braden Smith. Instead of speed and pick-and-rolls, Jefferson uses his size, control and body to create angles and double teams to open up teammates.
Jefferson plays at his own pace, and his size and physicality allow him to play with his back to the basket or from the perimeter. He is one of the most unique players in the country, averaging 18.4 points per game, 7.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists on 57% shooting from the field.
Jefferson took on an even larger role in the game as Lipsey was out with an injury. Jefferson is the center of the offense and the fulcrum through which all their actions operate. Protecting him inside and out is a nightmare. He attacks the glass and plays from the elbows as well as any player in the country. He will be a problem for Purdue on defense at all three levels.
Historic offensive result
Purdue is threatening to set a record for offensive efficiency this season, but its Iowa State team is putting together one of its best offensive performances ever.
In their last game, the Cyclones scored 132 points in a 132-68 win over Alcorn State.
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Iowa State was 22 of 30 from three in that game. He made 33 assists and committed 24 turnovers. This is as good as any team can play basketball.
Now the Cyclones enter one of the most hostile environments in the country to take on the No. 1 team in the country.
So sit back and get ready to enjoy high-level basketball at Mackey Arena.
