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Northwestern vs. Purdue prediction and game preview. The Wildcats seek a seventh straight victory as they face the Boilermakers in West Lafayette on Wednesday night.

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Northwestern vs. Purdue Game Preview

When: Wednesday, Feb. 1 – 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Ind.
TV Broadcast: Big Ten Network

Northwestern is the feel-good story of 2016-17, pushing toward its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. The Wildcats have won six straight in conference play for the first time since 1933 to earn their first ranking in the AP poll since 2009, making their season debut at No. 25 this week. But while Bryant McIntosh, Scottie Lindsey, Vic Law and Co. are on the verge of making history, there’s still a tough road ahead – and it begins Wednesday night in West Lafayette.

After facing Purdue, Northwestern (18-4, 7-2) hosts rival Illinois and plays at No. 10 Wisconsin before No. 17 Maryland visits Evanston. That’s quite a gauntlet following an emotional 68-55 home win over Indiana on Sunday. The Boilermakers (17-5, 6-3) plan to make it as difficult as possible for the Wildcats after suffering a setback Sunday.

Purdue fell at Nebraska, 83-80, as Caleb Swanigan finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds, but he hit only 5 of 15 from the field and committed at least four turnovers for the third straight game. The No. 23 Boilermakers actually shot a higher percentage than the Huskers, but they had four more turnovers and five fewer rebounds that wound up being the difference.

UPDATE: Scottie Lindsey has been ruled out of the game with an illness.

Northwestern Wins If …

… it defends as well as it has during the winning streak. Let’s be honest – Northwestern isn’t exactly the most offensively gifted team in the country. The Wildcats rank 42nd in points per 100 possessions and have shot a paltry 39.9 percent over their last three games. But four of their last five opponents have shot worse than 40 percent, and that’s what has carried them. Northwestern will have to keep Purdue – namely Carsen Edwards, Ryan Cline and Dakota Mathias – from getting clean looks at the 3-point line, as the Boilermakers are 25 of 45 from long distance over their last two games.

Purdue Wins If …

… Biggie dominates down low. Swanigan is versatile and can play away from the basketball. But the Boilermakers will need him to man the paint and score inside and leave the jump shooting to the jump shooters, who have been on lately. If Swanigan bangs down low and gets the Northwestern bigs in early foul trouble, Purdue should be able to pull away.

Matchup To Watch

Swanigan vs. Dererk Pardon

Pardon had a “Swanigan Game” in a win over Nebraska on Jan. 26, going 8 for 11 from the field and finishing with 19 points and 22 rebounds. Against Indiana? No field goal attempts, zero points, seven rebounds, three blocks and three fouls in 10 fewer minutes. That’s not going to cut it. If Swanigan gets the better of this matchup, and in convincing fashion, the Boilermakers could coast to a win.

Betting Odds

Spread: Purdue -7
Over/Under: No line as of post

Northwestern vs. Purdue Prediction

The Wildcats’ run ends in West Lafayette. The desperate Boilermakers make up for the loss at Nebraska and protect home court, as Swanigan finishes with national-high 19th double-double in Purdue’s victory.

Northwestern vs. Purdue final score prediction: Purdue 75, Northwestern 66

MORE: NCAA Tournament Projections – Teams On Outside Looking In