Baha Mar Showdown: #1 Purdue vs Memphis

The college basketball world turns its eyes to the sunny shores of Nassau, Bahamas, as the prestigious Baha Mar Championship tips off. The marquee matchup features the nation's top-ranked team, the Purdue Boilermakers, facing off against the Memphis Tigers in a highly anticipated neutral court clash on Thursday, November 20th.

Setting the Stage: The Baha Mar Championship

The Baha Mar Championship is a multi-team event showcasing some of the nation's best programs in a prime early-season setting. This year's field includes powerhouse programs: the undefeated No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers (4-0), the No. 15 Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-1), the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-1), and the host Memphis Tigers (1-2). Purdue enters the tournament as the clear favorite, seeking their fifth consecutive MTE (Multi-Team Event) tournament title.

Purdue Boilermakers: Dominance Continues

Reclaiming the No. 1 ranking after a convincing road victory over eighth-ranked Alabama, the Boilermakers are firing on all cylinders. They boast a potent starting trio of preseason All-Americans Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and Daniel Jacobsen, giving them significant size and experience. Purdue's strength lies in their ability to dominate inside and limit opponent mistakes. They are riding a remarkable 10-game winning streak in "Feast Week" tournaments, including four straight titles. Eight of those ten wins came against AP Top 25 teams, underscoring their pedigree against elite competition.

Memphis Tigers: Seeking Redemption

Under the guidance of coach Penny Hardaway, Memphis enters the tournament looking to bounce back from a challenging start to the season. The Tigers are 1-2, suffering losses to Ole Miss and UNLV in their last two games. Memphis is facing significant offensive struggles, shooting just 42.7% from the field, 32.3% from three-point range, and committing 13 turnovers per game. Critically, no player is averaging more than 11.3 points per game. While possessing skilled guards, the Tigers appear undersized and lack a dominant interior presence to counter Purdue's formidable frontline. This game presents a critical opportunity to regain momentum and prove their mettle against top-tier competition.

Key Matchup: Purdue's Size vs Memphis' Scoring Woes

The most significant factor in this game will be the battle inside. Purdue's trio of Kaufman-Renn, Cluff, and Jacobsen presents a significant size and physical advantage. Memphis, without a clear answer inside, will struggle to score efficiently and defend the paint. Purdue's experience, particularly with Kaufman-Renn returning to form, and their ability to minimize mistakes (fewer turnovers than Memphis) should prove decisive. Memphis needs to find a way to generate consistent offense from the perimeter and protect the ball to have any chance of pulling off the upset against the nation's best team.

What to Expect and How to Watch

While Purdue is heavily favored (by 15.5 points) to extend their winning streak, Memphis will undoubtedly play with pride and energy. However, the Boilermakers' talent, experience, and tournament pedigree make them the overwhelming favorites. Expect Purdue to control the tempo, dominate the glass, and execute efficiently on offense. Memphis will need to force turnovers and hit a high percentage of outside shots to keep it close.

Game Details:

• Who: Memphis Tigers (1-2) vs. #1 Purdue Boilermakers (4-0)
• When: Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM ET (5:00 PM CST)
• Where: Baha Mar Grand Ballroom, Nassau, Bahamas
• TV: CBS Sports Network (Chris Sylvester, Kyle Macy, Ana Bellinghausen)
• Radio: Purdue Global Radio Network (Rob Blackman, Bobby Riddell)

The winner of this game will face the winner of Texas Tech vs. Wake Forest in the Championship game on Friday, November 21st at 8:30 PM ET. The loser plays in the Consolation game at 6:00 PM ET.

Looking Ahead

For Memphis, this game is about building confidence and finding offensive solutions before conference play intensifies. For Purdue, it's another step towards their goal of a deep NCAA Tournament run and a chance to solidify their claim as the nation's best team early in the season. The Baha Mar Championship promises exciting basketball, and the Purdue-Memphis clash is the perfect appetizer.