GAME NOTES: The Michigan Wolverines and the Purdue Boilermakers are set to tangle in a Big Ten Conference contest. Michigan is off to a horrendous start, as the club owns a 4-9 record, including an 0-3 mark in true road games. The Wolverines have lost their last three games and seven of the last eight overall, and the most recent setback came on Wednesday by a 70-54 final to No. 25 Wisconsin in the conference opener. Purdue's fortunes have been much better, as the team is 9-4 with a stellar 7-1 home record. The Boilermakers have won their last two outings, including a 59-44 decision over Florida International last Saturday. Purdue owns a 77-60 lead in the all-time series with Michigan, including wins in two of the last three meetings.

Michigan is scoring a modest 66.2 ppg this season while surrendering 71.5 ppg to the opposition. Manny Harris is the top offensive performer for the Wolverines, as he is netting 15.7 ppg despite his poor 37.4 percent shooting from the floor. Harris has also dished out a team-high 39 assists, but his 44 turnovers also pace the squad. The only other double-digit scorer in the mix is DeShawn Sims, as he is posting 13.5 ppg. Harris scored 16 points against Wisconsin earlier this week, and Sims had 13 points in that contest. The Wolverines made good on only 39.2 percent of their field goal attempts, and they finished a mere 5-of-18 from behind the arc. A 19-9 disadvantage in points from the foul line and a 35-25 rebounding deficit didn't help matters either.

Scott Martin is the only double-digit scorer on the roster for Purdue, as he is netting 11.3 ppg. Fortunately, there are three other individuals who are posting at least 9.6 ppg, bringing some balance to the lineup. The strength of the Boilermakers has been their play at the defensive end, as they are limiting foes to 60.5 ppg on 43 percent shooting from the floor. Martin scored 13 points off the bench for Purdue to lead the way in the win over FIU last time out. Tarrance Crump pitched in 12 points, and E'Twaun Moore added 10 points. A key to the victory for the Boilermakers was a 23-of-25 effort from the foul line. That showing helped Purdue overcome its 28.1 percent shooting from the field.

It is hard to believe that Michigan is one of the worst programs in the Big Ten. The Wolverines may stay close here, but give the edge to the Boilermakers at home.