Overview
- Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with streaming exclusively on Peacock.
- Purdue enters 10-1 with one of the nation’s most efficient offenses, shooting 50.5% and ranking among the leaders in assists and rebounding margin.
- First-year coach Steven Pearl says Auburn will use a different defensive plan without NBA-bound Johni Broome, elevating transfer Keyshawn Hall and guard Tahaad Pettiford as key options.
- The meeting follows Auburn’s 87-69 win over Purdue last season and serves as Purdue’s final notable nonconference test before Big Ten play.
- Rebounding, paint protection and containing dribble penetration are identified as swing factors, with Auburn’s frequent trips to the free throw line likely to influence the flow.