Preview: Michigan State at Purdue in Pivotal Big Ten Showdown WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Interstat) — A critical battle for Big Ten supremacy and NCAA Tournament seeding is set for Thursday night when Michigan State visits Purdue at Mackey Arena. Both teams enter with identical 22-5 overall records, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash in late February. The Spartans (22-5) are riding a two-game win streak, most recently defeating Ohio State 66-60 on Sunday. The Boilermakers (22-5) rebounded from a loss to Michigan with a dominant 93-64 rout of Indiana last Friday. The matchup features a compelling contrast in standout performers. Michigan State will rely on the recent surge of forward Carson Cooper. The junior is coming off a career game against Ohio State, posting 20 points and 11 rebounds in 34 minutes. Over his last seven games, Cooper is averaging 11.9 points and 5.4 rebounds, providing a vital interior presence. Purdue counters with the dynamic backcourt leadership of senior guard Braden Smith. A consistent floor general, Smith is averaging 15.4 points and 8.2 assists over his last six contests. He dished out 12 assists in a win at Iowa on Feb. 14 and nearly recorded a triple-double with 13 points and 10 assists in an overtime victory at Nebraska. The Spartans have shown resilience in close games, with overtime wins over Illinois and Rutgers this month, but also have road losses at Wisconsin and Minnesota. Purdue’s conference losses came at home to Michigan and on the road at Indiana and UCLA. Protecting its home court has been a hallmark for Purdue, making the Spartans’ visit a significant test. Michigan State’s backcourt, led by Jeremy Fears who had 11 points and eight assists against Ohio State, will be tasked with containing Smith. Purdue’s frontcourt, featuring Trey Kaufman-Renn who scored 20 points against Indiana, will aim to challenge Cooper and Jaxon Kohler inside. This game carries heavy implications for the final stretch of the regular season, with both teams jockeying for position ahead of next month’s conference tournament. The winner will seize a key tiebreaker and momentum heading into March. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST Thursday at Mackey Arena. The game will be televised on ESPN.