The No. 21 Purdue Boilermakers (8-2) welcome the Valparaiso Crusaders (8-0) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against superb defense. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 7, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 148.5 points with Purdue opening as a 15.5-point favorite.
Valparaiso Crusaders at Purdue Boilermakers Free Prediction
In the Crusaders’ last outing, they topped the Utah State Aggies, 72-65. The Crusaders, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.8, had a phenomenal mark of 41.0 and had a better free throw rate (0.295 vs. 0.258). Valparaiso was led by Tevonn Walker, who was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 10-for-17 shooting.
The Boilermakers were victorious over the Northwestern Wildcats in their last game, 74-69. Purdue’s 0.302 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Northwestern, who had a rate of 0.048. The Boilermakers’ mark matched their season average, while the Wildcats’ was below their season average of 0.275. Isaac Haas was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Purdue takes on the top-notch defense of Valparaiso. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Boilermakers rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Crusaders are 23rd in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Crusaders have been among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 24th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.304). The Boilermakers, however, rank fifth at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.162.
Valparaiso holds records of 8-0 straight up (SU) and 4-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total high when the Crusaders are involved, as 60.0 percent of their games have ended under the total.
Meanwhile, Purdue owns records of 8-2 SU and 6-3 ATS. Contrary to Valparaiso, Boilermakers games have a tendency to finish over the total (55.6 percent).
Valparaiso Crusaders vs. Purdue Boilermakers Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Purdue, ATS Winner – Valparaiso, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Purdue ranks eighth in assists per game (18.2) while Valparaiso ranks 204th (13.0).
The Boilermakers rank 10th in blocks per game (3.2) while the Crusaders rank 179th (3.0).
Purdue averages 22.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 117th in the nation. Valparaiso ranks 224th in three pointers allowed per game (22.7).
The Crusaders rank 40th in rebounds per game (38.9) while the Boilermakers rank 141st in rebounds allowed per game (31.9).
Purdue ranks 44th in steals allowed per game (6.2) while Valparaiso ranks 90th (5.7).
