WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Interstat) — Two of the nation’s hottest nonconference teams will meet Monday night when the Purdue Boilermakers host the Kent State Golden Flashes in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball showdown at Mackey Arena. Purdue (11-1), riding high after an 88-60 demolition of Auburn on Dec. 20, has established itself as a national title contender again. Its lone blemish is a 23-point loss to Iowa State on Dec. 6. The Boilermakers’ offense flows through point guard Braden Smith, who is averaging a double-double over his last five games, including a 14-assist performance against Auburn. Kent State (10-2) presents a formidable challenge, having won 10 of its last 11 games. The Golden Flashes are coming off a 69-59 road win at Massachusetts on Dec. 20. They are led by forward Delrecco Gillespie, a consistent scoring threat who has averaged 18.8 points over his last four contests. This matchup pits Purdue’s powerhouse, efficient attack against a Kent State team comfortable in tough road environments. The Golden Flashes’ two losses came by a combined 13 points, including an 88-78 defeat at Portland. For Purdue, this is a final tune-up before opening Big Ten play at Wisconsin on Jan. 3. For Kent State, it is a prime opportunity to secure a program-defining resume victory before Mid-American Conference action begins. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST Monday. Purdue holds a 3-0 all-time series advantage, with the last meeting an 88-79 Boilermaker victory in 2022.