It will be a showdown between two superb defenses when the 25th-ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-5, 6-3 Big 10) meet the Purdue Boilermakers (11-9, 4-5 Big 10) at Louis Brown Athletic Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
Purdue Boilermakers at Rutgers Scarlet Knights ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Scarlet Knights barely escaped the Nebraska Cornhuskers 75-72, while the Boilermakers won big over the Wisconsin Badgers 70-51.
Purdue played a perfect game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 53.3 (above their season average of 34.8) and a free throw rate of 0.117 (below their season average of 0.172). For those same stats, Wisconsin recorded marks of 7.1 and 0.087, respectively. The Scarlet Knights, meanwhile, held the Cornhuskers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.8 (below their season average of 22.4). The Cornhuskers had a free throw rate of 0.145 (below their season average of 0.191). Rutgers was led by Akwasi Yeboah, who contributed 20 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Evan Boudreaux had a good outing for Purdue, recording 10 points and 13 rebounds.
The Boilermakers won the only game between these two teams last year, 89-54. The Boilermakers’ 10.1 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Scarlet Knights, who had a mark of 25.4. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Points could be at a premium in this battle between a pair of the country’s best defenses. Rutgers ranks 17th in defensive efficiency (88.8) and Purdue is 33rd (91.5). Additionally, the Boilermakers rank 331st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.170), while the Scarlet Knights rank 54th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.180).
Purdue Boilermakers at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Rutgers averages 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 28th in the NCAA. Purdue ranks 144th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Boilermakers rank 17th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Scarlet Knights rank 86th (6.1).
- Rutgers averages 13.8 assists per game, which ranks 100th in the nation. Purdue ranks 127th in assists allowed per game (12.6).
- The Boilermakers rank 152nd in three pointers attempted per game (21.7) while the Scarlet Knights rank 256th (17.8).
- Rutgers ranks 15th in rebounds per game (41.0) while Purdue ranks 89th (37.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Boilermakers have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
- The Scarlet Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 11.0 for the season.
