By: Jake Riepma

Northwestern makes their one and only trip to Mackey Arena this year for a Big Ten matchup with the Purdue Boilermakers.  On the heels of a 69-60 win over Wisconsin one week ago, the Wildcats (9-10, 2-3 Big Ten) look to earn consecutive conference victories for the first time this season. 

The last time out, first-year Jordan Hamilton turned in a career night, scoring 22 points on six of seven shooting, including three three-pointers to help lead the Wildcats past Wisconsin. Junior Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah chipped in with 11 points and 18 rebounds for her tenth double-double of the season.

Meanwhile, Purdue (12-7, 3-2 Big Ten) enters the contest riding a two game win streak with wins over Rutgers and Iowa in their last two games. The victory over Iowa saw Purdue senior guard, Andreona Keys, explode for a career high 34 points. Keys connected on 13 of 19 field goals, and was four for five from beyond the three-point line to pace the Boilermakers.

Both Northwestern and Purdue could be classified as defensive minded teams. The two rank near the bottom of the Big Ten in scoring, but both rank among the top five in the conference in scoring defense. Neither team boasts a deep bench, as both Northwestern and Purdue only play a few reserves night in and night out.

Northwestern will be shorthanded in the backcourt with the continued absence of Lydia Rohde who was injured earlier in the season against Nebraska. Additionally, sophomore guard, Byrdy Galernik, will be absent from the lineup Thursday night with a lower body injury.

Tip-off from Mackey Arena on the campus of Purdue University is set for 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The game can be seen on BTN Plus, or heard on WNUR 89.3 FM in the Chicago area or WNURSports.com.