The No. 13 Purdue Boilermakers (14-2, 3-0 Big 10) will try to lengthen their 10-game winning streak against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (11-5, 2-1 Big 10) at Mackey Arena. The game starts at 2:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Purdue Boilermakers ATS Prediction
The last time the Cornhuskers played, they beat the Northwestern Wildcats, 70-55. One of Nebraska’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 15-17 (88.2 percent), while the Wildcats were just 11-16 (68.8 percent). With 19 points on 5-for-14 shooting, Glynn Watson Jr. was the top scorer from either team.
The Boilermakers dismantled the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in their last contest, 82-51. The Boilermakers made 20 of their 28 free throws (71.4 percent) and held the Scarlet Knights to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.0 (below their season average of 38.0). With 12 points and five rebounds, Carsen Edwards put together a good performance for Purdue.
Purdue does a great job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 24th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.302), but Nebraska is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 51st by allowing a FTA rate of 0.186).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. James Palmer Jr. (17.2 points and 5.2 rebounds) has been fantastic for the Cornhuskers while Edwards (20.6 points) has contributed greatly to the Boilermakers.
After the Cornhuskers won the only contest against the Boilermakers last season, 83-80, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Cornhuskers had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 16.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.277 vs. 0.194).
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Purdue Boilermakers ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nebraska, ATS Winner – Nebraska, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Purdue ranks 59th in rebounds per game (38.8) while Nebraska ranks 238th in rebounds allowed per game (39.3).
The Boilermakers average 6.3 blocks per game, which ranks 11th in the NCAA. The Cornhuskers rank 119th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Nebraska ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while Purdue ranks 122nd (21.8).
The Boilermakers rank 19th in assists per game (17.9) while the Cornhuskers rank 98th (15.1).
Nebraska ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Purdue ranks 49th (5.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Cornhuskers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, up from 4.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Boilermakers have scored an average of 89.0 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.6 points per game (4.8 below their season average).
