Boilers feel fresh with week to prepare for the Hoosiers

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Purdue men's basketball team is feeling fresh after a rather enjoyable day off on Wednesday. The Boilermakers got back to work on Thursday and talked about trying to take advantage of a week in between games.

"Oh, it's great. I'm feeling young again. Kind of joking. But, no, I actually practiced the last two practices. Made it all the way through. No pain. So it's just great going into this because, as a veteran, you kind of understand how to take your time and rest. So I'm looking forward to getting back and playing," said senior Lewis Jackson.

Don't be fooled, the Boilermakers took advantage of the day off on Wednesday by getting into the gym and putting up plenty of extra jump shots in preparation of Saturday night's match-up with arch rival Indiana.

"You know, we still came in and got some shots up. And worked on some things. So it's not like it was a complete day off. But I think it was good for us mentally and physically to recharge and, you know, get ready for the game on Saturday," said senior Robbie Hummel.

Rivalry week practices have much more intensity then normal game weeks. Coach Painter held two very difficult days of practice prior to Wednesday's day off.

"Everybody was able to get a little more rest . And...because we did have two practices in there that were pretty intense. And we just used those days off to get healed up and to get ready for these next two days. Good practice then the game Saturday," said junior D.J. Byrd.

Indiana and Purdue will square off Saturday night on Keady Court with tip set for 7:00 p.m. The game is being televised on the Big Ten Network.