Purdue meets new addition Nebraska for first time since ’79

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Nebraska guard Bo Spencer (23) scores on Illinois guard Tracy Abrams (13) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Lincoln Journal Star, Laura Pales) LOCAL TV OUT

Updated: March 23, 2012 8:20AM

Purdue will get its first in-person look at first-year Big Ten member Nebraska.

With junior swingman D.J. Byrd returning after his one-game suspension, the Boilermakers (17-10, 7-7 Big Ten) play the Cornhuskers (12-13, 4-10) on Wednesday night at Mackey Arena, in the teams’ only regular-season game.

The teams last played on Dec. 11, 1979, a 78-56 home win for Purdue, which went to the Final Four that season. The Boilermakers lead the all-time series 6-2.

“It’s been good that we’ve been able to watch some tape, because really we’re not as familiar with these guys as we would be with like a Michigan State or some teams that have had some older guys that we’ve played against a bunch of times,” senior forward Robbie Hummel said. “It’s something where you really have to pay attention in the scout and really pay attention in film, and prepare your best to play them.

“It should be a fight, and we’re ready for it.”

Senior point guard Lewis Jackson compared this game to something along the lines of an NCAA Tournament matchup, with Purdue having the benefit of playing at home.

“It’s weird,” he said. “Going through the years, you know guys, you know young guys that come in, you kind of get familiar with programs, and then it’s, like, Nebraska — I’ve seen them on TV a couple times, I really don’t know anybody, you’re not familiar with the coaching staff,what they truly like to do.”

Nebraska, under coach Doc Sadler, is coming off an 80-57 win against Illinois, having knocked off Indiana at home on Jan. 18. The Cornhuskers’ only conference road win came at Iowa.

“I think it’s hard no matter if you’re new or not just to win on the road,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said. “It’s difficult in any conference, especially the Big Ten.”

Bo Spencer, a 6-foot-2 senior guard, leads Nebraska with 15.5 points per game. Toney McCray, a 6-6 senior guard, adds 10.1.

“Their ability to put four guys out there and spread you out,” Painter said when asked about his concerns about the Cornhuskers. “Four guys that can dribble, pass and shoot, drive the basketball. That’s always dangerous when you have to worry about everybody on the court.

“And Doc’s going to get them to play hard and play good defense; that’s what he’s known for. I’ve recruited a couple of his junior college guys, so I’ve been at his practices, and he’s a very good coach. You know they’re going to come ready to play hard. In terms of basketball, what they can do breaking you down, it’s something that’s going to be a concern for us.”