Preview: Purdue Looks to Rebound Against Indiana in Rivalry Showdown BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Interstat) — The intensity of one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries will be amplified Tuesday night when Purdue visits Indiana at Assembly Hall. The Boilermakers (17-3, 7-2 Big Ten), coming off an 88-82 home loss to Illinois on Saturday, aim to avoid their first two-game skid of the season. Purdue had won seven straight prior to consecutive narrow road and home defeats. Indiana (13-7, 5-4) seeks a signature victory to bolster its postseason resume, fresh from an 82-59 road win at Rutgers. The Hoosiers have struggled for consistency in conference play, alternating wins and losses over their past six games. Purdue’s fortunes hinge on the play of standout guard Braden Smith. He is averaging 20.0 points and 9.0 assists over his last seven games, including a 27-point, 12-assist performance in the loss to Illinois. His playmaking will test an Indiana defense that has allowed 74 points or more in four of its seven losses. The Hoosiers counter with forward Nick Dorn, who erupted for 23 points in the rout of Rutgers. Dorn’s production has been volatile; he was held to six points or fewer in three straight games prior to the Rutgers contest. His ability to score efficiently against Purdue’s formidable frontcourt will be critical. The venue adds another layer. Assembly Hall is a noted fortress where the Hoosiers are 10-1 this season. Purdue, however, has been strong on the road with a 5-2 mark away from West Lafayette. This matchup is the first of two regular-season meetings between the rivals, with the rematch set for Feb. 20 at Purdue. The Boilermakers currently sit second in the Big Ten standings, while Indiana is in a logjam in the middle of the conference. Tuesday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ESPN.