Purdue faces its third top 25 team in a row, taking on Ohio State tonight at Mackey Arena.

The Boilermakers (7-7, 1-1 Big Ten) have split the first two of such games – defeating then-No. 11 Illinois and falling at then-No. 18 Michigan State.

Purdue's challenge tonight against the No. 15 Buckeyes (11-3, 1-1) is to slow down Bishop Luers graduate Deshaun Thomas. The forward leads the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 20.2 points per game.

Purdue coach Matt Painter said the team will use many players to defend Thomas.

Offensively, the Boilermakers will again look to get the ball in the paint area.

Purdue has scored 116 of its 202 points (57.4 percent) in the paint during its last three games. Freshman center A.J. Hammons matched a career-high with 20 points against the Spartans.