The Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team is gearing up for only their third encounter with the No. 1 ranked team in the Associated Press Poll. This time, the Colonels are set to face off against Purdue on Friday in what promises to be a riveting showdown.
The game, scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET, will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network. For local fans in the Richmond area, the radio broadcast is available on WCYO 100.7 FM, while enthusiasts worldwide can tune in via EKUSports.com.
Taking a closer look at the Colonels’ recent performance, they faced a formidable challenge against Alabama, closing a 29-point halftime deficit to 15. Despite the effort, Alabama secured a 111-67 victory, hitting an impressive 19 three-pointers in the game.
Notably, Eastern Kentucky has encountered AP No. 1 ranked teams twice before, suffering defeats at the hands of No. 1 Kentucky in 2014 and top-ranked Louisville in 2019. However, the Colonels’ most recent triumph against a ranked team dates back to December 19, 2014, with a decisive 72-44 win over No. 18 Miami (Fla.).
Isaiah Cozart showcased his prowess in the recent matchup against Alabama, registering his 12th career double-double and fifth of the season with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Leland Walker contributed significantly, scoring a game-high 20 points, maintaining a streak of 20-point performances in his last two games, and averaging 4.5 assists over that span. Michael Moreno had a standout game as well, knocking down a season-high six 3-pointers and scoring a season-high 18 points.
Now, turning attention to the formidable opponent, Purdue stands tall with an 11-1 record, claiming the top spot in both the AP and Coaches Polls. The Boilermakers boast notable victories against ranked teams such as Gonzaga, Tennessee, Marquette, and Arizona. Zach Edey, a 7-foot-4 senior center, leads the team in scoring (24 ppg) and rebounding (10.4 rpg), earning recognition with six major National Player of the Year Awards in the previous season.
Braden Smith, a 6-foot sophomore guard, adds to Purdue’s strength, leading the team with 6.7 assists per game and ranking second in scoring (13.3 ppg) and rebounding (5.5 rpg). The Boilermakers showcase an impressive offensive and defensive balance, averaging 87.3 points per game while limiting opponents to just 69 points per contest. Purdue’s prowess extends to three-point shooting, with opponents shooting a mere 29 percent from beyond the arc.
Intriguingly, despite their proximity in bordering states, Eastern Kentucky and Purdue have never crossed paths on the basketball court. The Colonels’ last encounter with a Big Ten team dates back to 2013 when they faced Wisconsin.
As the Colonels gear up for this monumental clash against Purdue, fans are undoubtedly in for an exhilarating matchup that could etch a new chapter in the program’s history.
