In what is being touted as the biggest game of the season, the Purdue Boilermakers are gearing up to face off against the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday in Indianapolis. Both teams have been widely regarded as the top contenders in the NCAA this season, making this matchup a must-watch for college basketball fans.

The Boilermakers hold an 8-4 advantage in the series history between the two teams, with their previous encounter in 2017 resulting in a resounding 89-64 victory for Purdue. However, both teams had initially struggled with an 0-2 start in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament before their faceoff.

The game, which will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, is expected to embody the intensity and atmosphere typically seen in Elite 8 or Final Four matchups. The venue is likely to be dominated by Purdue fans, creating a partisan backdrop for the contest.

As the teams take the court on a neutral ground, this game offers a crucial opportunity for both programs to assess their standing heading into the new year. With aspirations of reaching the Phoenix stage, victory in this clash would provide a significant boost for Purdue and Arizona alike.

Here are three key factors that could influence the outcome of the game:

1. Keep the Ball Moving on Offense: Purdue's offensive efficiency lies in their ability to effectively move the ball around the arc and generate scoring opportunities. Coach Painter emphasizes the importance of passing up good shots for great ones, with mid-range jump shots being a particularly challenging aspect that Arizona looks to force opponents into. Purdue's frontcourt, however, boasts the ability to match up against the Wildcats in a way that they haven't faced so far this season.

2. Get Arizona into Some Foul Trouble: Purdue's strategy of getting key players into foul trouble has proven successful in the past. By removing primary players from the court, the Boilermakers have the opportunity to capitalize on matchups against backup players. This could be especially impactful when it comes to their dominant big man, who often draws fouls from wings and guards with aggressive double-team defense.

3. Limit the Third and Fourth Scorers for Arizona: While it may be difficult to completely stop standout players like Caleb Love, Purdue can aim to limit their efficiency and prevent role players from stepping up. Arizona's balanced offense, with multiple players averaging double-digit points, presents a challenge. The Boilermakers will need to focus on containing sharpshooters Kylan Boswell and Pelle Larsson, who have been shooting at an incredibly high percentage from behind the arc.

In addition to these factors that could shape the outcome, the rotation strategy employed by Coach Painter will be closely watched by fans. While Smith and Edey are expected to secure significant minutes, the remaining three spots in the lineup will depend on matchups and players' performance.

With excitement building for this highly anticipated clash, basketball enthusiasts can expect a thrilling game filled with high-level play. The pressure will be on Purdue to deliver their best basketball coming off finals week, as Arizona presents a formidable challenge. The Boilermakers will need standout performances from players like Trey Kaufman-Renn or Mason Gillis to secure a victory against an elite team like the Wildcats.

Saturday's showdown promises to be an electrifying battle as Purdue and Arizona aim to assert their dominance in the NCAA.