After playing against itself for months, the Purdue men’s basketball team will play an actual opponent. Coach Matt Painter and the Boilermakers are in Omaha, Neb. to take on Creighton in a charity exhibition game.

Purdue returns starters Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn from last year’s 34-5 squad. Myles Colvin, Camden Heide and Caleb Furst are also back. Center Will Berg is expected to get more minutes and the Boilers also have a five-man recruiting class that will get their first test in a live game: Daniel Jacobsen, Gicarri Harris, CJ Cox, Jack Benter and Raleigh Burgess.

Follow along throughout the evening as Purdue plays their first opponent of the 2024-25 college basketball season.

THOMPSON RAVES ABOUT PURDUE FRESHMAN GUARD: Purdue assistant coach PJ Thompson spoke highly about the shooting ability of Boilermakers freshman guard CJ Cox, calling him “a bucket.” CLICK HERE

WILL BERG ON NEXT PLAY MENTALITY: Purdue center Will Berg has struggled by putting too much pressure on himself. Over the offseason, the 7-foot-2 sophomore has taken big strides in that area and it’s helping him on the court. CLICK HERE

PURDUE-CREIGHTON THINGS TO WATCH: Purdue plays a charity exhibition game against Creighton on Saturday. Here are five things to watch as the Boilermakers hit the floor for the 2024-25 season. CLICK HERE

LANCE JONES RETURN TO MACKEY ARENA: Lance Jones became a Purdue fan favorite during his lone season in West Lafayette. He’s eyeing a potential return to Mackey Arena at some point this season. CLICK HERE