WEST LAFAYETTE – When Matt Painter schedules games against low-major opponents, he often picks those that are among the best programs in their respective conference. By doing so, he hopes to give his team a look at what it might see from a hungry double-digit seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Boilermakers have such a game tonight against Akron, the defending Mid-American Conference regular-season and tournament champion that has won at least 22 games in four consecutive seasons under coach John Groce. Last season, the Zips went 28-7 and were a No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament, giving Arizona some trouble in the first half of an opening round game before succumbing.

It's the type of game Purdue should win relatively handily – the Boilermakers are No. 5 in the KenPom.c

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