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Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer
Purdue and Auburn, two men’s basketball programs who have faced off just three times in history, have finalized a two-year series beginning next season.
The first game will take place in Birmingham on Dec. 21, 2024, with the return game coming on Dec. 20, 2025, in Indianapolis as part of the Indy Classic.
“I am grateful to Matt Painter and the Purdue Boilermakers for agreeing to a two-game series to be played this year in Birmingham and next year in Indianapolis,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. “Matt has one of the finest college basketball programs in the country. His kids play hard and play the right way. Purdue is one of the top programs in the Big Ten winning three conference championships and being ranked No. 1 nationally over the last three seasons.
“We are excited about playing in Birmingham, which will serve as an NCAA Regional site. With a quality opponent like Purdue, I would anticipate us selling out Legacy Arena. I know the Auburn Family will step up and meet that challenge. We are excited for our players, because if you want to be the best, you have to play the best.”
The last meeting between both teams came at the Cancun Challenge in 2016. Prior to that contest, they played in the 2001 NIT and the 1985 NCAA tournament. Purdue leads the all-time series, 2-1.
“We are excited to be part of an outstanding two-year series with Auburn, beginning in December in Birmingham, then returning to Indianapolis in 2025,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said. “We strive to make our non-conference schedule very competitive, and Auburn will be one of the top teams in the SEC this coming season.”
Both teams are ranked in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25, with Auburn at No. 11 and Purdue at No. 16.
Auburn won 27 games last season before losing to No. 13 seed Yale in the first round of the NCAA tournament, but the Tigers reloaded with the addition of Furman transfer JP Pegues and the return of potential preseason All-American Johni Broome.
Purdue lost in the national championship game to UConn and will begin the post-Zach Edey era behind the veteran backcourt of Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer.