When you think of a premier opponent in college basketball, you inevitably think of Texas State. Right? Yes, mine too. And yet…Purdue will face a tough SEC opponent today in the Texas A&M Aggies. With losses to UCF and Oregon, they were ranked 17th nationally. Not exactly who you expect them to lose to, but hey, it happens.

This is part of the Indy Classic, which replaced the Crossroads Classic, which replaced the Wooden Tradition and so on and so forth. Purdue always wants to play at least one game in Indianapolis. It’s a great way to get exposure in the state’s largest media market and hope to catch a few glimpses of local high school talent.

Who: #11 Purdue (8-2) vs. #17 Texas A&M (8-2)

When: Noon ET

Where: Indianapolis, Indiana – Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Capacity – 18,345)

TV: CBS (Rich Waltz, Bill Raftery, Jay Wright, Jon Rothstein)

Radio: Purdue Global Radio Network (Rob Blackman, Bobby Riddell)

Since this is a neutral-site game, if they can win, it will be hugely significant to Purdue’s end-of-year NCAA Tournament resume. Purdue will look to use the momentum from the second half of the Maryland game and the stress relief from the end of the playoffs to prevail against another tough non-conference opponent.