The Big Ten champion Purdue Boilermakers close out the regular season Sunday against one of the best underdog stories of the season in Northwestern. The Wildcats, who have never made an NCAA Tournament, might have secured their spot in the field earlier this week on a buzzer-beater against Michigan.
CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm has the Wildcats as a No. 8 seed, firmly in the field, so a win over a top-20 opponent in Purdue would only improve Northwestern’s standing heading into Selection Sunday.
Below is information on how you can watch the game along with live-stream links. We’ll also highlight key players to watch and make a pick against the spread at the bottom.
Viewing information
When: Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, Illinois
TV: CBS
Live stream (computer): Desktop link
Live stream (mobile): CBS Sports App
Scouting report
Northwestern young stars Bryant McIntosh and Scottie Lindsey lead the way in scoring, but it’s the defensive effort that separates this season’s team. On the whole, the Wildcats play a small lineup with 6-foot-8 Dererk Pardon at the center position. But a small roster allows Chris Collins to utilize speed to defend the perimeter, and down low the Wildcats play smart, fundamental ball. Northwestern’s defense ranks in the top 15 in field goal and 3-point percentage allowed as well as block percentage. It’s all about hustle and speed.
For Purdue, its speed is compounded with size. National Player of the Year candidate Caleb Swanigan, averaging 18.6 points and 12.5 rebounds, leads the Boilermakers on both sides of the floor. Teamed up with 7-footer Isaac Haas and Vincent Edwards, it creates a scary good front court that makes anyone second guess stepping into the paint for fear of getting stuffed into the stands. So look for that trio of trees to get rolling early against Northwestern.
Matchups to watch
Because of Northwestern’s lack of size, it creates some major matchup issues. We saw that in the first matchup, a 21-point Purdue victory. In that game, Purdue dominated the paint with its trio of big men combining for 52 points. Look for Purdue head coach Matt Painter to bang it into the block again and try to exploit his team’s size advantage again.
Odds and pick
KenPom odds: Purdue -2
Pick: Purdue -2
Northwestern is an awesome story, and it won’t be a team I would bet against in the NCAA Tournament. But Purdue’s size is a terrible matchup for the Wildcats, so I think Purdue -2 is the smart move here.