The 15th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (19-7, 12-3 Big 10) and their sensational offense head to Nebraska to play the Cornhuskers (15-12, 5-11 Big 10) and their stifling defense. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
Purdue Boilermakers at Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Odds
In their last game, the Cornhuskers were blown out by the Penn State Nittany Lions, 95-71, while the Boilermakers won a close one over the 25th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, 48-46.
The Boilermakers forced 17 turnovers and held the Hoosiers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.318 (below their season average of 0.520). Nebraska, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.525 vs. 0.643). Nebraska’s James Palmer Jr. led the way, finishing with 24 points and seven rebounds. Purdue was led by Ryan Cline, who finished with 11 points.
In their first matchup this season, Carsen Edwards led the Boilermakers to an 81-62 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 27 points. One of Purdue’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-21 (90.5 percent), while the Cornhuskers were 10-13 (76.9 percent).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. Nebraska currently ranks 296th in possessions per game (66.6) and Purdue is 300th (66.6). Furthermore, the 16th-ranked offense of the Boilermakers (offensive efficiency of 115.0) will square off against the 42nd-ranked defense of the Cornhuskers (defensive efficiency of 96.1).
Purdue at Nebraska Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Purdue, ATS Winner – Purdue, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Purdue ranks 37th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Nebraska ranks 258th (37.7).
- The Cornhuskers average 4.3 blocks per game, which ranks 47th in the NCAA. The Boilermakers rank 127th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- Purdue ranks 15th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Nebraska ranks 30th (5.2).
- The Cornhuskers rank 17th in three pointers allowed per game (18.7) while the Boilermakers rank 216th (24.1).
- Nebraska ranks 10th in assists allowed per game (10.0) while Purdue ranks 106th (12.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Boilermakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, down from 9.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cornhuskers have scored an average of 59.8 points per game (12.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
