The 14th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (21-7, 14-3 Big 10) close out their home schedule at Mackey Arena against the Ohio State Buckeyes (18-10, 8-9 Big 10). The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Purdue Boilermakers Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Boilermakers beat the Illinois Fighting Illini 73-56, while the Buckeyes dismantled the 22nd-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 90-70.
Ohio State played a flawless game. They had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 29.0 (above their season average of 28.1) and a free throw rate of 0.379 (above their season average of 0.252). For those same stats, Iowa recorded marks of 12.9 and 0.218, respectively. Meanwhile, Purdue played a nearly flawless game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.219) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.602 (above their season average of 0.528). Illinois was 0.131 and 0.393, respectively, for those same stats. Matt Haarms was a key piece for Purdue with 21 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Meanwhile, Ohio State was lifted by Kaleb Wesson, who recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Carsen Edwards led the Boilermakers to a 79-67 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points. Purdue’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Boilermakers had 10 offensive rebounds and 30 total rebounds, while the Buckeyes had four and 23, respectively.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Purdue currently ranks 304th in possessions per game (66.2) and Ohio State is 291st (66.6).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Purdue Boilermakers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Purdue ranks 27th in three pointers attempted per game (26.9) while Ohio State ranks 186th (21.7).
- The Buckeyes rank 33rd in assists allowed per game (10.9) while the Boilermakers rank 105th (12.6).
- Purdue ranks 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.6) while Ohio State ranks 61st (32.8).
- The Boilermakers rank 45th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Buckeyes rank 170th (2.6).
- Purdue ranks 11th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Ohio State ranks 87th (5.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Buckeyes have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Ohio State has defeated opponents by an average of 6.3 points.
- During their last five games, the Boilermakers have scored an average of 65.6 points per game (10.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.6 points per game (5.6 below their season average).