The Battle for the Bucket: Purdue and Indiana Renew Rivalry in Mackey Clash
The Rivalry
The rivalry between Purdue University and Indiana University is one of the most storied in college basketball. The two schools are located just 60 miles apart and have been competing on the basketball court since 1901. The annual matchup, known as the Battle for the Bucket, is one of the most anticipated events on the college basketball calendar. Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team holds an slim series lead over the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team, 122-94. The Boilermakers have won the past two meetings, including a 73-63 victory in Bloomington last season.
The Players
Both Purdue and Indiana have talented rosters this season. The Boilermakers are led by preseason All-American guard Jaden Ivey. Ivey is one of the most dynamic players in the country and is averaging 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season. The Hoosiers are led by senior guard Trayce Jackson-Davis. Jackson-Davis is a skilled big man who is averaging 19.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
The Game
The Battle for the Bucket will be played at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana on Saturday, February 5th, 2022. The game is scheduled to tip off at noon EST and will be televised on ESPN. Mackey Arena is one of the most difficult places to play in college basketball, and the Hoosiers will have their work cut out for them if they want to win.
The Stakes
The Battle for the Bucket is always a big game, but this year's matchup has even more at stake. Both teams are competing for a Big Ten championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A win for Purdue would give them a leg up in the Big Ten race and would also boost their NCAA Tournament resume. A win for Indiana would keep them in the hunt for a Big Ten title and would also give them a much-needed quality win.
The Prediction
Purdue is a slight favorite in this game, but Indiana always seems to play the Boilermakers tough in Mackey Arena. The Boilermakers probably will win the game, but the Hoosiers will definitely make them work for it. The final score will be Purdue 75, Indiana 70.
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