Central Michigan @ Purdue preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 28, 2009 ) Central Michigan 38, Purdue 64

Purdue looks to bounce back from a disappointing two-week stretch when it wraps up non-conference play at home with Central Michigan on Saturday. The Boilermakers dropped two of their last three games before the holiday break, including a 70-61 loss to No. 11 Butler as part of the Crossroads Classic on Dec. 21, and hope to turn things around by extending their home winning streak to five.

"Collectively we're not a mature group," Purdue coach Matt Painter told reporters. "We've got to do a better job of being connected and being consistent." Purdue hasn't played at home in nearly three weeks, which is its longest stretch in between games since the 1998-99 season, and hopes to improve to 24-1 in its last 25 non-conference home contests. The Boilermakers have won six of the last seven meetings with Central Michigan, including a 64-38 victory in the last matchup Nov. 28, 2009. Central Michigan is heading in the wrong direction following an 83-79 loss to Robert Morris on Dec. 17, and hopes to end their three-game skid by notching their first road win of the season.

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network

ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (7-5): David DiLeo matched his season-high with six 3-pointers en route to 23 points and pulled down a team-best eight rebounds in the loss to Robert Morris. Devontae Lane added 13 points and six assists while Kevin McKay registered 12 points, six rebounds and three steals, but the Chippewas were outscored 49-38 in the second half to fall to 0-5 on the road. Rob Montgomery scored 11 points and grabbed five boards while Travon Broadway Jr. and Deschon Winston each finished with seven points against the Colonials.

ABOUT PURDUE (7-5): Trevion Williams led the way with 12 points and 10 rebounds against Butler to record the fourth double-double of his career. Aaron Wheeler added 11 points and Eric Hunter Jr. scored 10 as the Boilermakers were limited to 33.3 percent shooting from the floor to fall to 2-7 all-time in the Crossroads Classic. Center Matt Haarms, who is averaging 11 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season, is expected to miss his third consecutive contest after suffering a concussion in the 70-56 loss to Nebraska on Dec. 15.

TIP-INS

1. Purdue has held all 12 opponents to 70 points or fewer this season.

2. The Boilermakers have won 22 of their last 23 home games overall.

3. Central Michigan is ranked third nationally in points per game (87.9).

PREDICTION: Purdue 82, Central Michigan 68