Purdue Battles Michigan in Big 10 Showdown

Boilermakers look to slow down high-powered Wolverines offense

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Purdue and Michigan, two of the top teams in the Big 10, are set to square off in a crucial conference matchup. Purdue, led by senior guard Braden Smith, will look to slow down Michigan's fast-paced offense and control the tempo of the game. The Wolverines, with their size and scoring ability in the paint, will try to push the pace and overwhelm the Boilermakers.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for the Big 10 standings, as both teams are vying for position at the top of the conference. Purdue will need to find a way to neutralize Michigan's size and scoring prowess, while the Wolverines will look to impose their will and run the Boilermakers out of the gym.

The details

Purdue has been dominant on the offensive end, ranking 1st in the Big 10 in effective field goal percentage and 2-point shooting percentage. However, the Boilermakers will need to limit Michigan's second-chance opportunities and keep the Wolverines off the free throw line to have a chance at victory. On the other end, Michigan's stifling defense, led by senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg, will look to disrupt Purdue's offensive rhythm.

  • Purdue is coming off a 86-56 win over UCLA on 2/14.
  • Michigan most recently defeated Northwestern 75-72 on 2/11.

The players

Braden Smith

Purdue's senior guard and team captain, averaging 25 points, 10 assists, and 3 rebounds per game.

Yaxel Lendeborg

Michigan's senior forward, a dominant presence in the paint who anchors the Wolverines' stifling defense.

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What they’re saying

“If Michigan wants to play offense for 29 seconds and offense for 10, the Boilermakers should let them try. The first step of winning this game is dragging the Wolverines into the deep water of the second half and hoping the Mackey crowd, paired with some clutch shooting, can win the day for Purdue.”

— Drew Schneider, Analyst (hammerandrails.com)

“Once the Wolverines get you in the bonus, their guards start driving the ball downhill and getting to the line. LJ Cason was the KenPom MVP of the Northwestern game because he hit 7-9 free throws, mostly down the stretch, by driving into the heart of the Wildcat defense.”

— Drew Schneider, Analyst (hammerandrails.com)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing a top seed in the upcoming Big 10 tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the Big 10's best teams promises to be a hard-fought battle, with Purdue looking to slow the pace and Michigan aiming to overwhelm the Boilermakers with their size and scoring ability. Whichever team can impose their style of play will have the best chance of emerging victorious.