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Purdue 22-10 (13-7) vs. Michigan 22-9 (14-6)
Michigan is no longer a quirky offense that runs its offense through its bigs off the dribble. Michigan is a known quality, a flawed but tall and skilled collection of familiar parts to Purdue after 80 minutes of competitive action between Purdue and Michigan during the season.
In the new Big Ten, teams only play twice three times during the regular season. That was Purdue and Michigan's fate during this regular season. Purdue dominated at home against the Wolverines, running Michigan out of the building early and yanking their starters by the halfway point in the second half.
In the rematch, Michigan got its revenge by winning in the Crisler Center, even if the margin of victory was less convincing. Purdue still had starters sitting at the end of that, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Caleb Furst that is, both struggling and succumbing to foul trouble
Purdue and Michigan's path through the Big Ten mirror each others. Both have spent time at the top of the conference. Both have looked like the best team in the conference.
But both also struggled at the end of the conference season. Purdue had a four game losing streak and Michigan finished the season losing three straight. The highs have been high, but the lows have been lows.
The two inconsistent but talented squads now meet up on the third day of the Big Ten Tournament. Both of them hover around the 4 and 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and both need to do work to get to a preferred destination. Both teams can also use some confidence going into the tournament.
Braden Smith's time
USC did everything it could to take the ball out of Braden Smith's hands and not allow him to beat them with his shot on Thursday. So Smith found Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer, Myles Colvin and Camden Heide, but Michigan doesn't have the size or wings to take it to Smith the way USC does.
Michigan's guards are small and its bigs are bigs. It's been a playground for Smith when Purdue plays Michigan.
Smith had 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists in Purdue's win against Michigan. In the loss, Smith was even better. Smith had 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists despite going 0-4 from three. He was 10 of 13 inside the arc and had just one turnover.
In Michigan's win against Purdue, it was timely shooting more than offensive execution that got Michigan over hump. Danny Wolf, Tre Donaldson, Vladislav Goldin, and Roddy Gayle all scored double-digit points.
Michigan also had a huge lead on the free throw line, attempting 26 free throws to Purdue's 8.
Winner gets the better of Illinois-Maryland
Whoever wins between Michigan and Purdue will have a heavy hitter coming at them on Saturday. Illinois and Maryland will play right before Purdue and Michigan and the winner of both games will then square off on Saturday.
How to watch
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
When: Friday, March 14th 9:00 p.m.
How to watch: Big Ten Network
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