In a highly anticipated matchup, Indiana head coach Mike Woodson is preparing his team for a fierce battle against the Purdue Boilermakers. The Indiana Hoosiers (12-5, 4-2) will face off against the No. 2 ranked Boilermakers (15-2, 4-2) on Tuesday evening at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington.

Woodson, a former Hoosier and Indianapolis native, understands the significance of this rivalry and the intensity it brings. He acknowledges that both teams are determined to come out on top, making it a thrilling contest for college basketball fans.

The series between Indiana and Purdue is fiercely contested, with Purdue leading 125-92 all-time. However, since Woodson took over as head coach in 2021, the Hoosiers have had success against their rivals, winning three out of the four matchups. Remarkably, all of Indiana's victories came with the Boilermakers ranked in the top five in the AP poll.

For players and fans alike, this rivalry holds great importance. Legendary matchups like Rob Phinisee's game-winning shot in January 2022, which ended a nine-game losing streak for Indiana, have added to the drama and excitement of this encounter.

Former Indiana forward Collin Hartman, who experienced the rivalry firsthand, emphasizes the significance of this game. He describes Indiana basketball as the Mecca of the sport in the state, and the passion and energy from the fans at both Assembly Hall and Purdue's Mackey Arena create a unique atmosphere unlike any other.

Jordan Hulls, a graduate of Bloomington South High School and former IU point guard, highlights the lessons learned from both winning and losing in this intense rivalry. Hulls recalls the challenging early years of his time at IU, where the team struggled against Purdue, but later experienced success with back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances and victories over their rivals.

As the Hoosiers' Team and Recruiting Coordinator, Hulls now brings his experience to the sidelines, supporting the team and utilizing his point guard vision to guide their performance. He recognizes the challenges opposing teams face when playing at Assembly Hall, with the passionate fan base creating an intimidating and overwhelming environment.

The clash between Indiana and Purdue is more than just a game; it represents pride and bragging rights for fans across the state. With Assembly Hall set to be filled with enthusiastic supporters, the atmosphere promises to be electric and unforgettable.

Woodson, with over four decades removed from his own playing days, understands the importance of the game and the need to keep his team focused amidst the intense environment. He urges his players to embrace the rivalry and rise to the occasion, highlighting that this game is a dream come true for aspiring basketball players.

For fans eager to watch this highly anticipated showdown, the game will be available for streaming exclusively on Peacock, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. This clash between two basketball powerhouses promises to deliver excitement, drama, and an unforgettable experience for all involved.