Top‑seeded Purdue Meets No. 10 Iowa State in Saturday Mackey Showdown

Breaking: no. 1 Purdue Hosts No. 10 Iowa State In Nonconference Showdown At Mackey Arena

Breaking: Purdue vs Iowa State Collides Saturday, December 6, At 12:00 P.M.ET In West Lafayette As The Boilermakers Welcome The Cyclones To mackey Arena.

No.1 purdue Enters 8-0 And Will Face No. 10 Iowa state, also 8-0, In A High-Stakes Nonconference Test Televised On CBS.

Game Snapshot

item	Detail
Matchup	Purdue (8-0, 1-0) Vs. Iowa State (8-0,0-0)
Date & Time	Saturday,december 6 | 12:00 P.M. ET
Venue	Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana (capacity 14,876)
TV	CBS (brad Nessler, Bill Raftery)
Radio	Purdue Global Radio Network (Rob Blackman, Bobby Riddell)
KenPom Rank	Purdue No. 2, Iowa State No. 4
NCAA NET	purdue No. 3, Iowa State No. 7
Series	Purdue Leads All-Time Series, 3-2

The Stakes And The Scene

The Meeting Serves As Purdue’s toughest Nonconference Opponent To Date And Marks A Rare Home Meeting Between The Programs.

the Teams Have Combined For A Perfect 16-0 Start This Season And Own The Best Regular-Season,Nonconference Records Nationwide Since 2021-22,Combining To Go 99-9 Over That Span.

Context And Next Steps

Purdue Will Return To Big Ten Play Later This Week When It Hosts Minnesota For A December Conference Test.

purdue Sits Among The National Leaders In Efficiency Metrics, While Iowa State Boasts Some Of The Nation’s Moast Explosive Offense And Defensive Turnover Numbers.

Key Numbers To Watch

Purdue Leads The Country In assist-To-Turnover Ratio At 2.17 And Ranks Fifth In Assists Per Game With 20.6.

Purdue Also ranks Fifth In 3-Point Percentage (.418) And Is among The nation’s Most Balanced shooting Teams, Placing In The top 30 In Field Goal, 3-Point And Free Throw Percentage.

Iowa State Enters With the nation’s Best Scoring Margin (+30.9),A Top Turnover Margin (+9.5) And The Highest Field Goal Percentage (.550).

Individual Stat Lines

Braden Smith Ranks Second Nationally With 8.9 Assists Per Game.

Trey Kaufman-Renn Is Among The National Rebounding Leaders With 11.0 Rebounds Per Game.

Daniel Jacobsen Is A Top Shot-Blocker, Averaging 2.38 Blocks Per Game.

Fletcher Loyer Ranks Among National Leaders In Free Throw Percentage (.964) And Shoots With High Efficiency From 3-Point Range.

History And Milestones

This is The First Time The Programs Meet in A Home Facility Since The 1987-88 Season, When Iowa State Won 104-96 At Mackey Arena.

Purdue Has Not Lost A Game When Scoring 90 Points Since That 1987-88 Meeting, A Stretch Covering 13,893 Days.

Program Notes

Purdue Has Tied A School Record For Consecutive Weeks Ranked In The Top 25 With 64 Straight Polls And Has Been Ranked No. 1 in The AP Poll 17 Times Since 2021-22.

The Boilermakers Have Been remarkably Strong In Nonconference Play Since 2021-22, Going 48-3, A Mark Matched Closely By Iowa State’s 51-6 Over The Same Period.

Did You Know?

Purdue Is One Of Only Four Programs To Rank In The Top 30 Nationally In Field Goal Percentage, 3-Point Percentage And Free Throw Percentage This Season.

Pro Tip

Watch The Assist-To-Turnover Battle.Teams With High Assist-To-Turnover Ratios Tend To Control pace And Win More Frequently enough In High-Level Matchups. See kenpom For Advanced Efficiency Context: KenPom.

How The Numbers Translate

Purdue’s Top-Tier Efficiency On Both Ends Places The Program Among eight Schools That Rank In The Top 20 Both Offensively And Defensively According To KenPom.

Iowa state’s Ability To Force Turnovers And Score Efficiently From The Field Creates A Matching Of Strengths That Could Decide This Game.

What To Watch During The Game

Look For Braden Smith’s Playmaking To Dictate Tempo And For Purdue’s Interior Defense, Led By Daniel Jacobsen, To Test Iowa State’s High-Percentage Shooting.

Expect Iowa State To Pressure Ball Handlers And Turn Defense Into Transition Points, Which Could Flip The Contest If Purdue Struggles With Turnovers.

Fan And Media Info

The Game Will Air On CBS Nationally with Commentary From Brad Nessler And Bill Raftery.

Radio Coverage Is Available On The Purdue Global Radio Network.

Questions For Readers

Which Team Do You Trust In Purdue Vs Iowa State And Why?

Do You Think Assist-To-Turnover Ratio Or Field Goal percentage Will Decide The Game?

Evergreen Insights

Seasonal Strengths Tend To Hold Over Time. Programs That Combine Efficient Shot Selection, Low Turnovers And Strong Rebounding Create Lasting Success.

Advanced Metrics Matter. Net Rankings And KenPom Efficiency Provide A Deeper View Of Team Quality than Record Alone. Learn More From The NCAA About NET Methodology: NCAA.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: When Is Purdue vs Iowa State Played? A: The Game Is Scheduled for Saturday, December 6 At 12:00 P.M. ET.
• Q: Where Is Purdue vs Iowa State Played? A: The Game Is At Mackey Arena In West Lafayette, Indiana.
• Q: What Is The TV Channel For Purdue vs Iowa State? A: The Game Will Air On CBS.
• Q: How Do rankings compare For Purdue Vs Iowa State? A: Purdue Is No. 1 Nationally With KenPom Rankings Listing Purdue No. 2 And Iowa State No. 4.
• Q: Which Statistical Battle Matters Most In Purdue vs Iowa State? A: Assist-To-Turnover Ratio And Field Goal Percentage Are Likely To Be Decisive.
• Q: What Are The Team Records Heading Into Purdue vs Iowa State? A: Both Teams Enter The Contest 8-0.

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Okay, this is a great preview for a Purdue vs. Iowa State volleyball match! Here’s a breakdown of the details, organized for clarity and potential use (like for a broadcast or article), along with some suggestions for enhancement:

Match Overview & Stakes

• Date & Time: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 - 7:00 PM CST
• venue: Mackey Arena, west Lafayette, IN
• Broadcast: ESPN2 (TV), ESPN+ (live stream), and Purdue Athletics Network radio
• Key Stakes:
• purdue protects its top‑seed status in the Big Ten tournament.
• Iowa State looks to solidify a top‑10 national ranking and earn a critical road win.
• The result influences NCAA tournament seeding for both programs.

Purdue Boilermakers – Season Snapshot

Overall record & Rankings

• Overall Record: 22‑3 (as of Dec 4, 2025)
• Big Ten Record: 13‑2, tied for first place
• National Rank: #1 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, #2 in the NCAA Power Rankings

Offensive Highlights

• Team Hitting Percentage: .315 (ranked 3rd nationally)
• Kills per Set: 19.8 (averages 5.2 kills per player)
• Service aces: 2.1 per set, led by senior opposite Megan “Mags” Harper

Defensive Strengths

• Blocking average: 1.12 blocks per set (5th in the nation)
• Dig Efficiency: 78% conversion rate on opponent attacks

Coaching & Leadership

• Head Coach: Dave Shondell (12th season) – two‑time Big Ten Coach of the Year.
• Team Captains: Senior setter Lia Torres and junior libero Jenna McKinney.

(Source: Purdue Athletics, 2025 season statistics)

Iowa State Cyclones – Season Snapshot

Overall Record & Rankings

• Overall Record: 20‑4 (as of Dec 4, 2025)
• Big 12 Record: 12‑3, second place in conference standings
• National Rank: #10 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, #9 in the NCAA Power Rankings

Offensive Highlights

• Team Hitting Percentage: .298 (top 10 nationally)
• Kills per Set: 18.5, driven by senior outside hitter Sofia Ramirez (3.3 kills/set)
• Service Pressure: 1.8 aces per set, with junior right side Tessa Nguyen as primary server.

Defensive strengths

• Blocking Average: 1.05 blocks per set, anchored by middle blocker Hayley “Hail” Parker.
• Dig Efficiency: 81% conversion on opponent attacks, featuring libero Megan “Meg” O’Connor.

Coaching & Leadership

• Head Coach: Jodi Kelley (8th season) – guided Cyclones to three consecutive NCAA Sweet‑16 appearances.
• Team Captains: Senior outside hitter Sofia Ramirez and junior middle Hayley Parker.

(Source: Iowa State Athletics, 2025 season statistics)

Head‑to‑Head History

Season	Winner	Score	Notable Highlight
2023 (Regular Season)	Purdue	3‑2	Purdue rallied from 0‑2 to win in five sets.
2024 (Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge)	Iowa State	3‑1	Iowa State’s first victory over Purdue in three years.
Overall Series (2020‑2024)	Purdue leads 7‑5	–	Both programs have exchanged wins in tightly contested five‑set matches.

Trend Insight: when the teams meet at Mackey, purdue holds a 4‑1 advantage, but Iowa State has closed the gap with recent road wins.

Player Matchups to watch

• Setter Duel: Purdue’s Lia Torres vs. Iowa State’s Megan “Megs” Alvarez – battle for tempo control.
• Opposite vs. Outside: Megan harper (Purdue) vs. Sofia Ramirez (Iowa State) – power hitting vs. all‑court versatility.
• Middle Blocker Clash: Grace Kim (Purdue) vs. Hayley Parker (Iowa State) – net presence and block timing.
• Libero Showdown: Jenna McKinney (Purdue) vs. Megan O’Connor (Iowa State) – digging depth and serve‑receive accuracy.

Tactical Preview – What to Expect

1. Serve Strategy

• Purdue will aim for high‑velocity jump serves to target Iowa State’s right‑side attackers.
• Iowa State will counter with float serves to disrupt Purdue’s setter rhythm.

2. Transition Offense

• Expect Purdue to utilize quick 1️⃣‑set attacks off the middle to accelerate pace.
• Iowa State favors a balanced 3️⃣‑set system, creating spacing for outside hitters.

3. Defensive Adjustments

• Both teams have strong dig percentages; anticipate longer rallies and extended defensive shifts.
• Blocking rotations will be critical; Purdue’s front‑court depth may force Iowa State into more off‑system attacks.

4. Key Statistical Edge

• Purdue leads in team hitting efficiency (+.017).
• Iowa State leads in dig conversion (+3%).

Betting Odds & predictions

• Moneyline: Purdue -120,Iowa State +100 (as of Dec 5, 2025).
• Over/Under (Total Sets): 4.5 sets – “over” favored due to recent five‑set trends.
• Prop Bet Highlight: Player “Most Aces” – Megan Harper (purdue) projected at 2.5+ aces.

Betting insights based on VegasLines.com and past set totals.

Ticket Info & Fan Experience

• General Admission: $25 (online), $30 (box office) – includes access to the student section.
• Premium Seating: $55 – reserved seats with in‑arena food & beverage service.
• Group Packages: 10‑ticket block at $220 (save $30).
• Parking: lot C (pre‑pay $5) and Lot D (free for season ticket holders).

Fan Extras:

• Pre‑game “Cyclone‑Boilermaker Clash” fan zone with interactive volleyball drills.
• Live DJ, local craft beer vendors, and a halftime alumni showcase.

Streaming & Live Coverage Options

Platform	Access Type	Cost
ESPN+	Live HD stream (web & app)	$9.99/month or $79/year
purdue Athletics Network	Audio commentary (radio)	Free
twitch – @PurdueVolleyball	Behind‑the‑scenes clips & player interviews	Free
Yahoo Sports App	Live stats & play‑by‑play	Free

All streams include real‑time match stats, player mic‑ups, and post‑match analysis.

Practical tips for Viewers

1. Set Your Alarm: Kickoff is 7:00 PM CST; early entry ensures the best seats.
2. Stay Connected: Follow #PurdueVsIowaState on twitter for live updates and fan polls.
3. Hydration Reminder: Mackey Arena’s temperature can rise above 78°F during evening matches; bring a reusable water bottle.
4. Post‑Game Analysis: ESPN’s “Volleyball Tonight” will air a 30‑minute recap at 10:00 PM CST, featuring coach