The No. 16 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-4) face the No. 6 Purdue Boilermakers (17-3) in a crucial Big Ten matchup on Sunday at noon EST in Lafayette, Indiana. Both teams enter on winning streaks - Ohio State having won three straight while Purdue has won two consecutive games.

Current Conference Standing:

• Ohio State: 4th place (6-2)
• Purdue: 5th place (6-3)

Game Analysis:

• Expected to be high-scoring with Purdue averaging 84.7 PPG (4th nationally) and Ohio State at 75.1 PPG
• Both teams allow 67-68 PPG defensively
• Purdue likely favored by 3-5 points at home

Keys for Ohio State:

• EJ Liddell must continue strong play (23 points, 15 rebounds last game)
• Need supporting cast (Kyle Young, Zed Key) to step up
• Efficient offense ranks highly in shooting percentages:
  • 32nd in 3PT%
  • 16th in 2PT%
  • 17th in overall FG%

Keys for Purdue:

• Led by Jaden Ivey (16.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 3 APG on 49% shooting)
• Three other starters average 10+ PPG
• 7'4" Zach Edey's size advantage could be decisive
• Must control rebounds and protect the paint

Prediction: Purdue's offensive firepower and home court advantage should lead to a close victory, though Ohio State will keep it competitive throughout. The Buckeyes' shooting efficiency could make it interesting down the stretch.

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