Braden Smith has averaged almost three steals over the past eight games, and the Boilermakers' turnover creation has spiked as well.

Both teams could use the Quadrant 1 win to improve their respective resumes come Selection Sunday, with Purdue (14-4, 6-1) arguably in bigger need of the road victory with all of its losses coming away from home.

Braden Smith had 22 points and seven assists to lead No. 20 Purdue to a 79-61 rout of Northwestern. Smith, who scored 17 of his points in the first half, hit 8 of 16 shots for the Boilermakers.