Rutgers Men’s Basketball to Host Unbeaten Purdue Tonight

Want something to do on a chilly Thursday night? Well, Rutgers men's basketball is playing host to the number 1 team in the nation right now, the Purdue Boilermakers (8-0), with tip-off at 7 p.m. from Jersey Mike's Arena.

According to Scarlet Knights.com, Head Coach Steve Pikiell's Scarlet Knights have never hosted the top team in the country at Jersey Mike's Arena and it will be the first time in 14 years that the no. 1 team comes to play RU in Piscataway.

"We are excited about this opportunity," Pikiell said. "We need Jersey Mike's Arena to be packed and loud. We haven't played the number 1 team in the country in a long time here and I know we have never beaten the number one. We've got to play really good basketball and play much better than we have played in the past."

The last time the number one team in the country paid a visit to Piscataway, it was December 16, 2007 when the North Carolina Tar Heels defeated Rutgers 93-71.

After starting the season red hot at 3-0, Rutgers has lost four of its last five games, including losing three games by a total of seven points. Losing Geo Baker to an injury didn't help, but Baker will be back in the lineup tonight.

Tonight's game is sold out, but it will also be broadcast right here on your home for Rutgers basketball, Fox Sports New Jersey 93.5 FM, 1450 AM.