Crossroads Classic 2014: Teams, Schedule, Live Stream, TV Info

The four biggest programs in the state of Indiana will battle for supremacy in the Crossroads Classic. 

While there is a lot of season left to be played, each of Indiana, Purdue, Notre Dame and Butler can feel good about what they have done over the last month. All four squads are seemingly improved from last year and all have a chance of dancing when March comes around.

Of course, a win in this exciting double-header would certainly help the resume.

These two games are certain to be extremely competitive to create an exciting atmosphere on a neutral floor. Here is a breakdown with predictions for each of the two games.

Indiana vs. Butler

USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, Dec. 20

Time: 2:30 p.m. ET

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV: Fox Sports 1

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Indiana has been a tough team to figure out this season. The squad has had one of the top offenses in the nation, scoring 87.5 points per game to rank fourth in the country.

The key has been the great outside shooting as the squad has hit 42.1 percent of shots from three-point range. James Blackmon Jr. has been especially impressive, leading all freshmen in scoring at 19.2 points per game.

However, the squad has become extremely reliant on the outside shot with little inside presence on either end of the court.

Blackmon knows this could lead to some problems against Butler, a team that knows how to slow down Indiana's best weapon, via Chris Goff of The Journal Gazette:

If the Bulldogs use their quickness to cover the perimeter, it could lead to a rough day like we saw against Louisville.

Meanwhile, Butler has already put together a bunch of good wins this year. The Battle 4 Atlantis saw the squad earn victories over North Carolina and Georgetown as part of what has become a resurgence for the Big East. 

The key to the team's turnaround from last season is having a healthy Roosevelt Jones. The point guard sets up his teammates for open shots and it helps the entire offense get going.

Kellen Dunham has also done a great job of finishing when he gets the chance while freshman Kelan Martin never sees a shot he doesn't like.

Butler is simply an efficient team on both ends of the court that makes it shots and makes things difficult for opponents. Even after the recent loss to Tennessee, the Bulldogs should be able to bounce back with a win over Indiana.

Prediction: Butler 81, Indiana 78

Purdue vs. Notre Dame

USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, Dec. 20

Time: 5:15 p.m. ET

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV: Big Ten Network

Live Stream: BTN2Go

Purdue has had a few down years but seems to be back on the upswing thanks to early-season wins over North Carolina State and BYU. These good performances are not going to stop anytime soon thanks to the twin towers inside of Isaac Haas and A.J. Hammons.

Although neither of the two seven-footers are averaging more than 20 minutes per game, they are always productive when on the court and are usually a double-double threat in each game.

Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey is aware this could lead to a challenge, as explained to Nathan Baird of the Lafayette Journal & Courier:

"

Nobody feeds the post and these two big guys more than Purdue. We played a Florida State team with three 7-footers, but they're not as athletically gifted or the focus of their offense as much as Purdue. You have to play post defense and help your two big guys guard Purdue's big guys at times.

"

The good news is Notre Dame has its own big man playing well in Zach Auguste. The 6'10" junior is averaging 15.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game and is coming off his best performance of the season against Florida State, scoring 26 in the win.

Of course, the true leader for the Fighting Irish is Jerian Grant, who has become arguably the top point guard in the nation. Although some might question the player's true position, ESPN's John Gasaway and Chad Ford are fully aware of what he can do as a floor general:

Grant currently averages 18.9 points and six assists per game, helping lead one of the top offenses in the nation. According to KenPom.com (subscription required), the Fighting Irish ranks first in effective field-goal percentage and third in turnover percentage.

Holding onto the ball and making shots is a great way to win, and Notre Dame will use this strategy to earn another victory.

Prediction: Notre Dame 76, Purdue 70

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