The 17th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (14-6, 7-2 Big 10) visit Bryce Jordan Center to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions (7-13, 0-9 Big 10). The Boilermakers have won their last five games, while the Nittany Lions have lost seven games in a row. Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Purdue Boilermakers at Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Nittany Lions fell to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 64-60, while the Boilermakers were victorious over the sixth-ranked Michigan State Spartans, 73-63.
Purdue played a nearly perfect game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 35.2) and a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 14.0). Michigan State had marks of 25.7 and 16.1, respectively, for those same stats. Penn State, on the other hand, held Rutgers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.408 (below their season average of 0.463). Penn State’s Lamar Stevens had a good game, contributing 21 points and eight rebounds. Purdue, meanwhile, was led by Nojel Eastern, who recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Boilermakers dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the most recent contest, Purdue won 78-70. Purdue had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.630 vs. 0.407). Penn State, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (10.1 vs. 15.6). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Penn State ranks 261st in possessions per game (68.1) and Purdue is 299th (67.0).
Purdue at Penn State ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Purdue, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Penn State ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while Purdue ranks 206th (24.1).
- The Boilermakers average 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 71st in the nation. The Nittany Lions rank 119th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- Purdue ranks 62nd in assists per game (14.9) while Penn State ranks 73rd in assists allowed per game (12.1).
- The Boilermakers rank 22nd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Nittany Lions rank 157th (7.1).
- Purdue ranks 18th in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while Penn State ranks 143rd (34.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Nittany Lions’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 0.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Boilermakers have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (4.2 below their season average).
