The No. 5 Purdue Boilermakers (15-2, 4-0 Big 10) head to Michigan to take on the Wolverines (14-3, 3-1 Big 10) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against stifling defense. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.
Purdue is a 2-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 137 points.
Purdue Boilermakers at Michigan Wolverines Betting Prediction
The last time the Boilermakers played, they defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 74-62. The Boilermakers held the Cornhuskers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.6 (below their season average of 31.6). The Cornhuskers also had a turnover percentage of 20.8 (above their season average of 14.0). With 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting, Vincent Edwards was Purdue’s leading scorer.
The Wolverines were victorious over the Illinois Fighting Illini in their last matchup, 79-69. The Wolverines knocked down 19 of their 24 free throws (79.2 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.588 (above their season average of 0.567). With 13 points, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman had a good outing for Michigan.
This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Michigan currently ranks 38th in offensive efficiency and Purdue is eighth in defensive efficiency.
Purdue holds records of 15-2 straight up (SU) and 11-5 against the spread (ATS). Of the Boilermakers’ 16 games that accepted bets, six have finished under, eight have finished over and two have pushed.
Meanwhile, Michigan owns records of 14-3 SU and 9-7 ATS. Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Wolverines are involved, as nine of their 16 games have finished under the total.
After the Wolverines won both matchups against the Boilermakers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Michigan won 74-70. The Wolverines knocked down 18 of their 23 free throws (78.3 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (15.6 vs. 19.3).
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Purdue, ATS Winner – Purdue, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Purdue is 4-2 ATS with 4 overs, 1 under and 1 push.
At home, Michigan is 4-4 ATS with 5 unders and 3 overs.
Michigan ranks seventh in three pointers allowed per game (15.8) while Purdue ranks 110th (21.5).
The Boilermakers rank 10th in blocks per game (6.2) while the Wolverines rank 95th (3.4).
Michigan allows the third-fewest steals per game (4.3) while Purdue ranks 59th (5.8).
The Wolverines rank 50th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while the Boilermakers rank 77th (32.9).
Purdue is 17th in the NCAA with 17.8 assists per game while Michigan is 42nd with 16.4 assists per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Purdue is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Michigan is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Boilermakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 27.8, up from 22.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 83.4 points per game (6.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
