Purdue and Iowa State have made it their private mission to dominate nonconference play. Because the begin of the 2021-22 season, Purdue and Iowa State are a mixed 99-9 in opposition to nonleague foes. That is the perfect two marks within the sport, and so they each exited November with out an L on the ledger.
That makes Saturday’s tilt between No. 1 Purdue and No. 10 Iowa State a paradox not like another: unstoppable drive meets immovable object between two undefeated groups who’re constructed on retention.
Purdue retained its Massive Three of Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer. Iowa State retained its Massive Three of Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic and Joshua Jefferson.
They play other ways, however Iowa State and Purdue share loads of frequent floor.
Just one will emerge unblemished, although.
Right here is every thing it’s good to know forward of the marquee matchup.
The place to observe Purdue vs. Iowa State dwell
Date: Saturday, Dec. 6 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Mackey Area — West Lafayette, Indiana
TV: CBS | Stay stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports activities App
Streaming on Paramount+ Premium
Purdue vs. Iowa State: Must know
Will Tamin Lipsey play?: That storyline is hanging over this top-10 duel. Lipsey suffered a nasty-looking leg harm late in regulation of Iowa State’s victory over St. John’s on Nov. 24. Lower than two weeks later, Lipsey’s standing for Saturday’s tilt continues to be up within the air, however he did observe on Friday, per CBS Sports activities’ Jon Rothstein. Lipsey is without doubt one of the greatest point-of-attack defenders within the sport, and he had regained a few of his offensive burst within the early-going. If he can swimsuit up, we’re in for a deal with as a result of Purdue’s Braden Smith and Lipsey could also be the perfect two level guards in America.
Joshua Jefferson versus Trey Kaufman-Renn is greatest on greatest: No high-major frontcourt participant is averaging extra assists than Joshua Jefferson (5.6 per recreation). He is recent off back-to-back 10-assist showings in romps over Syracuse and Alcorn State, and Jefferson’s help fee has spiked all the best way as much as 28.3. Completely nutty stuff. How does Purdue take Jefferson away? A part of it may embrace making him work on the opposite finish, defending Kaufman-Renn. The Purdue senior combines finesse with roaring energy. Kaufman-Renn nonetheless has among the finest soft-touch push photographs within the sport, however this yr, he is develop into an utter madman on the glass in opposition to rival 4-men. However Jefferson is not a slouch on the boards and craves physicality. The winner of this particular person matchup may tilt the scales.
Nook treys incoming: Iowa State’s havoc-wrecking strain protection leads the whole nation in turnover fee. They take the ball away higher than anyone, however there are open nook 3-pointers to be discovered in opposition to the ‘Clones in the event you can navigate the onslaught with sensible massive males. Kaufman-Renn is a prepared playmaker and this could possibly be a spot for “Massive Recreation Fletch” to make one other look. Fletcher Loyer is an utter deadeye this season, capturing over 49% from downtown. CJ Cox has drained 39% of his 28 3-point makes an attempt. If Cox and Loyer are punishing this protection with nook treys, Iowa State is in scorching water.
Purdue vs. Iowa State prediction, picks
Sarcastically, Iowa State and Purdue had been Oscar Cluff’s two greatest suitors final spring within the switch portal. Purdue received that recruiting battle, and Iowa State properly pivoted to Virginia’s Blake Buchanan, who has given the Cyclones loads of good minutes this season. Lipsey (if he performs) versus Smith is the great things. Jefferson versus Kaufman-Renn is excellent. However I would not be stunned if the group who will get the perfect manufacturing from the 5-spot is the winner of this one. Can Buchanan keep out of foul bother and hold Purdue off the glass? Can Cluff make sensible choices and rating or distribute successfully?
Previously, Purdue has struggled with turnover-forcing defenses (Penn State involves thoughts), however I believe this group has extra solutions to the take a look at this time round, particularly since Cluff and Kaufman-Renn are sharp passers. Purdue has the our bodies to throw at Jefferson, and Cox ought to be capable of grasp on the level of assault in opposition to Iowa State’s guards. Milan Momcilovic has an actual dimension benefit on the 3 for Iowa State. I would not be stunned if there are some mid-post backdowns within the arsenal to hunt a few of Purdue’s smaller guards, however the Boilermakers’ protection limits photographs on the rim at a sky-high fee this season. If this turns right into a jump-shooting contest, give me the house group. Iowa State is capturing a scorching 43.3% from downtown this yr (third-best in America), however I’ve seen means, means too many good-shooting groups stroll into Mackey and miss jumpers to imagine that can stick. Decide: Purdue -4.5
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