The Northwestern Wildcats (13-17, 4-15 Big 10) welcome the 11th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (22-8, 15-4 Big 10) to Welsh-Ryan Arena as the regular season comes to a close. Action begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Northwestern Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Wildcats won big over the Ohio State Buckeyes, 68-50, while the Boilermakers fell to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 73-69.
Northwestern dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.491 (above their season average of 0.467) and a turnover percentage of 7.3 (better than their season average of 14.7). For those same stats, Ohio State was 0.297 and 11.2, respectively. Purdue, meanwhile, held Minnesota to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 33.1). Northwestern was led by Dererk Pardon, who contributed 20 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Grady Eifert led the way for Purdue, finishing with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
The Boilermakers won the only contest between these two teams last year, 74-69. Purdue had a much better free throw rate (0.302 vs. 0.048). Northwestern, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (9.7 vs. 9.9). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Northwestern ranks 294th in possessions per game (66.8) and Purdue is 307th (66.3). Moreover, the Boilermakers rank 11th in offensive efficiency (115.4), while the Wildcats rank 55th in defensive efficiency (97.2).
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Northwestern Wildcats Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Purdue, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Northwestern ranks seventh in three pointers allowed per game (17.6) while Purdue ranks 197th (23.7).
- The Boilermakers rank 12th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Wildcats rank 65th (5.8).
- Purdue ranks 97th in assists per game (14.2) while Northwestern ranks 130th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
- The Boilermakers rank 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while the Wildcats rank 203rd (36.1).
- Northwestern averages 4.2 blocks per game, which ranks 40th in the country. Purdue ranks 143rd in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Boilermakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.6, up from 9.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 61.4 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
