LINCOLN, Neb. — The college basketball world turns its attention to Pinnacle Bank Arena tonight, February 10, 2026, as the No. 7 Nebraska Cornhuskers host the No. 13 Purdue Boilermakers in a high-stakes Big Ten showdown. With both teams jockeying for position at the top of the conference standings, tonight’s 7:00 p.m. ET tip-off carries significant postseason implications.
Game Overview and Betting Odds
Nebraska (21-2, 10-2 Big Ten) enters the contest as a slight 1.5-point favorite over Purdue (19-4, 9-3). The over/under is currently set at 147.5 points. The Huskers are looking to maintain their narrow lead over Michigan and Purdue in the conference race, while the Boilermakers aim to close the gap and secure a signature road victory.
- Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE
- TV: FS1
Series History and Key Matchups
While Purdue leads the all-time basketball series 21-7, the Huskers have turned Pinnacle Bank Arena into a fortress in recent years. Nebraska fans still point to the 88-72 upset of No. 1 Purdue in 2024 as a turning point for the program. This season, the Huskers have exceeded all expectations; after being projected to finish 11th in the Big Ten, they now sit firmly in the top 10 nationally.
The matchup features a clash of styles. Nebraska relies on the veteran leadership of senior guards Jamarques Lawrence and Sam Hoiberg, who recently combined for 25 points and 12 assists to snap a brief two-game skid. Purdue continues to be a force in the paint and on the glass, though they have struggled with “turbulent” performances on the road this season.
What’s at Stake
For Nebraska, a win tonight would likely solidify a top-two seed in the Big Ten Tournament and keep them in the hunt for a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. For Purdue, a victory would erase the memory of recent road stumbles and prove they can win in the most hostile environments in the country.
Local analysts suggest the game will come down to Nebraska’s ability to handle Purdue’s size. “Purdue has been too turbulent, while Nebraska has been sound and has too many weapons at home,” noted one preview from GoldandBlack.com, predicting a narrow 70-67 victory for the Huskers.
Historical Context: Football vs. Basketball
While the basketball rivalry is heating up, the two schools share a balanced history on the gridiron. In football, Nebraska holds a slim 7-6 all-time lead over Purdue, including a 31-14 victory in their last meeting. However, the intensity of the basketball rivalry has arguably surpassed the football series as both programs have emerged as national contenders simultaneously.
Stay tuned for live updates and post-game analysis as the Big Ten title race heats up in Lincoln.