The storied rivalry between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Purdue Boilermakers reaches a fever pitch this week as both the men’s and women’s basketball programs navigate critical late-season Big Ten matchups. With March Madness on the horizon, every possession carries postseason implications for these conference foes.
Women’s Basketball: No. 13 Iowa Travels to Mackey Arena
Tonight, Thursday, February 19, 2026, the No. 13 Iowa Hawkeyes (20-5, 11-3 Big Ten) head to West Lafayette to take on the Purdue Boilermakers (12-13). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at the historic Mackey Arena.
The Hawkeyes are looking to solidify their standing at the top of the Big Ten leaderboards. Led by a high-octane offense, Iowa enters the contest as the favorite, but Purdue has proven to be a dangerous opponent on their home court. Fans can catch the action live on the Hawkeye Radio Network or via national streaming options.
Men’s Basketball: Purdue Dominates Recent Meeting
The women’s matchup follows a decisive victory for the Purdue men’s team earlier this week. On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the No. 13 Purdue Boilermakers silenced the crowd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena with a 78-57 win over Iowa. The Boilermakers’ bench provided a massive spark, propelling the team to their fourth consecutive victory and keeping them firmly in the hunt for a high seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Despite the loss, Iowa (18-7, 8-6 Big Ten) remains a strong contender for an at-large bid. Current betting markets and bracketology reports place both programs in the conversation for deep tournament runs, with Purdue currently holding +500 odds to reach the Final Four.
Historical Series Context
The rivalry between these two institutions spans over a century, characterized by intense physical play and legendary coaching matchups. While Purdue has historically held the upper hand in football—including a notable 24-7 upset of No. 2 Iowa in 2021—the basketball series has been a back-and-forth battle for Big Ten supremacy.
- First Meeting: 1910 (Iowa won 16-0 in football).
- Recent Trend: Purdue has won three straight road games in the men’s basketball series.
- Postseason Outlook: Both schools are projected to be safely in the 2026 NCAA Tournament field.
As the regular season winds down, the outcome of tonight’s women’s game will play a pivotal role in determining seeding for the Big Ten Tournament. For the Hawkeyes, a win tonight is essential to keep pace with conference leaders; for the Boilermakers, it represents an opportunity for a signature upset in front of a sellout crowd.