Matt Painter Relives Favorite Moment, Talks Intensity of Purdue-Indiana Rivalry

Matt Painter has been part of the Purdue-Indiana rivalry for nearly 25 years. The Boilermakers coach talked about what makes this heated in-state rivalry so special and also recounted his favorite memory against the Hoosiers.

It goes without saying that the Purdue-Indiana rivalry is one of the best in college basketball. On Tuesday, the Boilermakers and Hoosiers will add another chapter to their storied history, playing the first of two regular season matchups — this one at Assembly Hall (7 p.m. ET, Peacock).

Purdue coach Matt Painter has been part of plenty of these over the years, both as a player and a coach. Not many know the importance of this rivalry game better.

Monday, Painter met with reporters to talk about the Purdue-Indiana clash in Bloomington on Tuesday night. It doesn't matter how long he's been part of it, it's still a game of major significance.

"It's one of those things, it's pretty special to be a part of it for close to 25 years," Painter said. "But it's difficult. From a competitive standpoint, it's hard. They've had some really good teams. The environment that they have at Assembly is very imposing.

"We've had some success, we've had struggles — been a little bit of everywhere. ... You still have to play better than them, more than anything. They've played better than us the last couple years, they've made more plays than us, they've been tougher than us, they force turnovers. So, they've had the upper hand on us the last couple years. But it's still one of those things you cherish."

That success Painter mentioned? Purdue won 12 of 13 meetings from 2014 through 2021, including a string of nine straight victories. It was one of the best runs for the Boilermakers in the rivalry.

The struggles have come recently. Since Mike Woodson took over at Indiana, the Boilermakers are just 1-3 in their last four outings. It's been somewhat surprising, with Purdue big man Zach Edey averaging 20.3 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, but the Hoosiers have found ways to take down their in-state rival.

Painter's Favorite Purdue-Indiana Memory

For someone who has been part of the Purdue-Indiana rivalry for nearly 25 years, Painter had a lot of options to choose from when asked for his favorite memory.

He didn't really hesitate when providing his answer. He hit the way-back button on the time machine, talking about his freshman year in the 1989-90 season.

"Probably my first one at Assembly, and I didn't play. Which probably helped us win," Painter said. "We were down 17 or 18 at half and we came back and forced it into overtime. And we were able to win in overtime. 

"Getting back to Mackey Arena — so it's my first experience with that — and then we couldn't get off the bus because the students were shaking the bus, which was a little scary, but when you're 19, that's a good moment. 

Purdue defeated Indiana 81-79 in Assembly Hall. The Boilermakers turned around and got the season sweep over the Hoosiers, winning the return game in Mackey Arena 72-49.

Yeah, it's easy to understand why Painter picked that memory.

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• GALLOWAY AT ASSEMBLY: Trey Galloway is playing a lot better in home games this season. Does his confidence on the home court help Indiana in Tuesday's game against Purdue. CLICK HERE
• MEET THE OPPONENT: Zach Edey is putting together another National Player of the Year campaign, while guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer have made the sophomore year jump Purdue needed to be in the mix for a national title. Here's a full breakdown of Indiana's Tuesday opponent, the Purdue Boilermakers. CLICK HERE
• TOM BREW COLUMN: Indiana has won two straight against Purdue at Assembly Hall, and they get another chance on Tuesday night. The Hoosiers keep winning at home — they're 3-0 in Big Ten games — but will it be enough against a Purdue team that's really solid up and down the lineup? CLICK HERE