Sat Jan 18 20:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Purdue Boilermakers Set to Face Oregon Ducks in Crucial Big Ten Matchup
**Eugene, OR** – The No. 17 Purdue Boilermakers (14-4, 6-1 Big Ten) will face a tough test on Saturday, January 18th, at 3 p.m. ET when they take on the Oregon Ducks (15-2, 4-2 Big Ten) at Matthew Knight Arena. The game will be broadcast on NBC.
Riding a five-game winning streak, Purdue boasts a dominant offense led by Braden Smith (16.1 points, 9.3 assists) and a stifling defense, currently ranked third in the Big Ten in defensive efficiency. Their frontcourt of Trey Kaufman-Renn and Caleb Furst is shooting exceptionally well, contributing significantly to Purdue’s league-leading effective field goal percentage.
Oregon, however, presents a significant challenge. The Ducks’ 7-foot center, Nate Bittle, averages a team-high 13.7 points and 7.8 rebounds, posing a size advantage for Purdue to overcome. The Ducks also feature talented guards in Jackson Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy, known for their three-point shooting prowess.
While Purdue’s recent victories have been convincing, their upcoming matchup against Oregon is considered their first marquee game of the Big Ten season. Oregon’s inconsistent performance, highlighted by a 109-77 home loss to Illinois, suggests potential vulnerabilities despite their strong overall record. The game will be a crucial test for Purdue, who despite their winning streak, haven’t yet faced a top-tier Big Ten opponent. The short preparation time following their trip to Washington also adds another layer of intrigue to this pivotal contest.
First Piper 