College basketball rankings: Rivals Indiana, Purdue square off in compelling Friday night showdown
CBS Sports
by
Gary Parrish
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A highly anticipated showdown between Indiana and Purdue in college basketball is set to take place on Friday night, February 20, 2026. Both programs, currently coming off double-digit losses, are looking to avoid extending their losing streaks. This intra-state rivalry game has added significance as it could impact the teams' standings heading into next week's games. Purdue, who were preseason favorites but have struggled this season, face even greater pressure to secure a win, especially with a 11.5-point favorite status in this matchup.
The article highlights that Indiana is performing around its expected ranking, sitting at No.37 on KenPom.com after starting the season at No.38. Purdue, however, was the preseason No.1 in the AP Top 25 poll and has underperformed expectations despite a strong start. Both teams are aiming to bounce back from their recent losses, but the stakes are higher for Purdue. A loss would mark their first Quadrant 2 loss of the season and their fourth home loss, which hasn't happened since the 2013-2014 season.
Another key storyline is Braden Smith's pursuit of the NCAA all-time assist record. Currently holding 986 assists in his career, Smith is just one spot away from tying Keith "Mister" Jennigs' record and overtaking Jason Brickman for fourth place. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the game as fans will be watching closely to see if Smith can make history.
The article also touches on the broader context of college basketball's growing excitement for Friday night games, which have become more frequent in recent weeks. With matchups like St. John's vs. UConn and Wisconsin vs. Michigan State drawing attention earlier this month, the Indiana-Purdue game continues this trend, offering fans another compelling reason to tune in.
For sports enthusiasts, this game matters because it showcases a heated rivalry between two Big Ten teams with rich histories. The outcome could have implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament hopes and their conference standings. With Purdue as heavy favorites, the challenge is on for Indiana to pull off an upset, while Purdue aims to prove its preseason ranking was justified. Fans will be
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026