The Purdue Boilermakers (14-12, 7-8 Big 10) visit Wisconsin to take on the Badgers (15-10, 8-6 Big 10) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.
Wisconsin opens as a 4 point favorite over Purdue with a total of 121 at Pointsbet Indiana Sportsbook.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Wisconsin Badgers Free Prediction
In the Boilermakers’ last game, they were beaten by the Ohio State Buckeyes, 68-52. Ohio State’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Purdue. The Buckeyes had a rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.264), while the Boilermakers posted a mark of 0.185. Purdue’s Jahaad Proctor played well, finishing with 15 points.
The Badgers beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers in their last outing, 81-64. Wisconsin was lights out from beyond the arc (15-31; 48.4 percent). Nebraska, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.092 vs. 0.063). Brad Davison was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 11-for-17 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Evan Boudreaux had 10 points and 13 rebounds in the first matchup, in which the Boilermakers beat the Badgers 70-51. The Boilermakers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (53.3 vs. 7.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.117 vs. 0.087).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. Wisconsin ranks 346th in possessions per game (64.0) and Purdue is 331st (65.5). Furthermore, the Boilermakers rank 338th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.171), while the Badgers rank 38th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.177).
Purdue Boilermakers at Wisconsin Badgers Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Wisconsin, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Purdue ranks 106th in steals per game (6.7) while Wisconsin ranks 233rd (4.8).
The Badgers rank 46th in three pointers allowed per game (19.0) while the Boilermakers rank 163rd (21.9).
Wisconsin ranks 61st in blocks per game (3.8) while Purdue ranks 134th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
The Boilermakers rank 46th in rebounds allowed per game (32.2) while the Badgers rank 114th (34.3).
The Boilermakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, down from 6.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Badgers have scored an average of 65.8 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
