Dec 1, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Ronnie Johnson (3) and Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) talk against the Siena Saints during the second half at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Siena Saints 68-63. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After starting 0-2 in conference play, the Purdue Boilermakers will be looking to earn their fourth straight Big Ten victory when they travel to Welsh-Ryan Arena on Tuesday to take on the Northwestern Wildcats.

Purdue comes in sporting a 13-5 record, including 3-2 in the Big Ten and currently sit in fifth place in the conference, while Northwestern is 9-10, 2-4 in the Big Ten, including upsets over the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Indiana Hoosiers and sit in 10th place in the conference.

On paper Purdue is the better team. They average 76.0 points per game,grab 39.8 rebounds, shoot 44 percent, and hold their opponents to 69.8 ppg. Northwestern suffers on the offensive end, averaging 61.9 ppg, 34.8 rebounds, shoots 40 percent and gives up 63.6 ppg. While Purdue has the tendency to give up more points, they have the offensive firepower to outscore their competition.

Northwestern was able to upset Illinois and Indiana by stifling their offense, which is why Purdue will need to get A.J. Hammons going as soon as the ball tips. Hammons has arguably been Purdue’s best player, when he tries. He’s averaging 9.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks on the season, but since Big Ten play started, he’s started averaging 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.

Getting the ball into the middle of Northwestern’s zone will be the key to success for Purdue. By doing so, it will space the zone, opening up Purdue’s shooters on the outside where they are shooting 34 percent from three-point range.

Northwestern’s game plan will need to include a way to stop Hammons, generally by getting him in foul trouble early, and making sure Drew Crawford gets rolling from the start. Crawford is by far Northwestern’s best player, averaging 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

While Northwestern isn’t as good as Purdue this season, Purdue still can’t look past them and to their next two opponents; Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan Wolverines. But even if they do, Purdue should still walk away with a 75-68 victory and a four-game winning streak.

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