The Hall Exploded! 🤯 Why the Purdue vs Indiana Game Changed Everything 🏀

January 28, 2026
Image Source :: Indiana Athletics

The Hoosiers just pulled off a massive win. If you missed the latest purdue vs indiana showdown, you missed one heck of a night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The energy was already through the roof before tipoff—the Indiana football team was in the house showing off their new national championship trophy. Yeah, that happened. And then the basketball team decided to keep the party going.

In a season that has been a bit of a rollercoaster, this 72-67 victory over the 12th-ranked Boilermakers feels like the turning point everyone in Bloomington was waiting for.

The Atmosphere Was Electric

You could feel the buzz even through the TV screen. This wasn’t just another iu vs purdue game. It was a statement. Coach Curt Cignetti and the football champs got the crowd hyped early, and that energy spilled right onto the court.

Indiana came into this hungry. They needed a big win. A "Quad 1" win, as the experts call it. And Purdue? They were stumbling a bit, coming off two straight losses. The setup was perfect for an upset, and the Hoosiers delivered.

How the Hoosiers Took Control

The first half was where Indiana really made their mark. It was tight early on, with both teams trading baskets. But then, Indiana flipped a switch. They went on a huge 21-6 run to close out the half. Lamar Wilkerson was hitting shots from everywhere, and nick dorn was feeling it from deep.

By halftime, Indiana led 40-29. The defense was swarming. They were making Purdue uncomfortable. Braden smith, Purdue's star point guard, didn’t even have an assist in the first half. That almost never happens. The indiana basketball defense was locked in, forcing turnovers and keeping the Boilermakers out of the paint.

Purdue Fights Back

You knew Purdue wouldn’t just go away. They are too good for that. In the second half, they started chipping away at the lead. Trey Kaufman-Renn was a beast inside, scoring 23 points and giving the Hoosiers all kinds of trouble.

The lead shrank. And shrank. What was once a comfortable 14-point cushion got cut down to just two points late in the game. It got nervous in the Hall. Purdue basketball fans probably thought they were about to steal one on the road.

But Indiana didn’t fold.

Clutch Moments from Unsung Heroes

When the game got tight, it wasn’t just the stars who stepped up. Sure, tucker devries had a gritty game with 9 points and 10 rebounds, doing the dirty work. But the biggest shots came from guys like Conor Enright.

With the game on the line and Purdue breathing down their necks, Enright hit a massive 3-pointer. Then he sank two icy free throws to seal the deal. Nick dorn was huge too, finishing with 18 points. He hit big shots when the offense seemed to stall.

This wasn’t just a one-man show. It was a total team effort. And doing it without Tayton Conerway, who was out with an ankle injury, makes it even more impressive.

What This Means for March

This win is a lifesaver for iu basketball. Before this, their NCAA tournament resume was looking a little thin. They were on the bubble—maybe "Next Four Out" or "First Four Out." But beating a team like Purdue changes the math.

Now, they have a signature win. It proves they can hang with the big dogs. For purdue, it’s a wake-up call. That’s three losses in a row now. They are still a lock for the tournament, probably a high seed, but they need to figure things out before March. The purdue vs indiana basketball rivalry always has high stakes, but this one felt like it saved Indiana's season.

The Rematch is Coming

If you loved this game, get ready. These two teams meet again soon. The next purdue vs iu clash is set for February 20 at Mackey Arena.

That one is going to be even tougher. Purdue plays incredibly well at home. Indiana will need to bring this same intensity to West Lafayette if they want to sweep the series.

How to Catch the Action

A lot of fans were scrambling to find the game since it was on Peacock. If you are wondering where to watch purdue boilermakers men's basketball vs indiana hoosiers men's basketball next time, it usually bounces between a few channels.

The big games often land on FOX, CBS, or FS1. But like we saw Tuesday, streaming services like Peacock are getting more exclusive rights.

For the rematch on Feb 20, check your listings early. It might be on FS1 or FOX given the magnitude of the game. If you are looking for where to watch indiana hoosiers men's basketball vs purdue boilermakers men's basketball replays, Peacock usually keeps them on demand for a while.

Player Stats Breakdown

  • Lamar Wilkerson (IU): 19 points. He was the spark early on.

  • Nick Dorn (IU): 18 points. Hit 4 three-pointers.

  • Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue): 23 points. Kept Purdue in the game.

  • Braden Smith (Purdue): 14 points, 5 assists. Struggles early but came alive late.

  • Tucker DeVries (IU): 9 points, 10 rebounds. A double-double effort in impact, if not points.

Injury Update

The Hoosiers did this without Tayton Conerway. He has been dealing with an ankle issue. His status is day-to-day, but getting a win like this without a key rotation piece shows the depth is improving. Hopefully, he is back for the next iu purdue basketball game.

Why We Love This Rivalry

There is nothing quite like indiana vs purdue basketball. The crowds are louder. The players play harder. It’s personal.

For Indiana fans, this win is bragging rights for the next month. For Purdue fans, it’s frustration. But that’s what makes indiana purdue basketball the best rivalry in the Big Ten.

So, circle February 20 on your calendar. Round 2 is going to be a war.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the next Purdue vs Indiana basketball game? The next matchup is scheduled for February 20, 2026. It will be played at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.

2. Where can I watch the Purdue vs Indiana replay? Since the game was broadcast on Peacock, you can likely find the full game replay on the Peacock app or website if you have a subscription.

3. What is the all-time record for Purdue vs Indiana? Purdue still leads the all-time series significantly, with over 125 wins compared to Indiana's 90-something wins. However, Indiana has been better at home in recent years.

4. Is Tayton Conerway injured? Yes, he missed the purdue vs indiana game with an ankle injury. He is considered day-to-day for upcoming games.

5. Did Indiana football really win the National Championship? Yes! It’s crazy but true. The football team was honored at halftime of this basketball game for their national title victory in January 2026.

6. Who was the leading scorer in the IU vs Purdue game? Trey Kaufman-Renn from Purdue was the game’s high scorer with 23 points, even though his team lost. Lamar Wilkerson led Indiana with 19 points.

7. How do I find where to watch future IU games? Most indiana hoosiers games air on the Big Ten Network (BTN), FOX, FS1, or Peacock. Checking the official schedule on the IU athletics website is the best way to know for sure each week.

References

 

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