It was a game against the Wolverines in February that showcased Purdue's defense fading. It's gone further adrift rather than shoring it up like the Boilers had shown.

The Boilermakers couldn't get into their offense with Michigan's defense contributing to tough shots in a physical game.

Michigan center Danny Wolf (1) defends Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) AP