The Purdue Boilermakers (4-3) welcome the No. 5 Virginia Cavaliers (7-0) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against exceptional defense. The game starts at 7:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Virginia Cavaliers at Purdue Boilermakers ATS Prediction
The Cavaliers come in on a high note after blowing out the Maine Black Bears in their last matchup, 46-26. The Cavaliers held the Black Bears to an effective field goal percentage of 0.244 (below their season average of 0.520). The Black Bears also had a turnover percentage of 31.7 (above their season average of 19.2). Virginia received a boost from Mamadi Diakite, who was the top scorer from either team with 15 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
In the Boilermakers’ previous matchup, they let one slip away to the Florida State Seminoles, 63-60. Florida State’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Purdue. The Seminoles posted a mark of 15.9 (stronger than their season average of 16.9), while the Boilermakers had a rate of 25.7 (above their season average of 14.4). With 16 points on 6-for-6 shooting, Matt Haarms was Purdue’s high scorer.
The Cavaliers won the lone game against the Boilermakers last season, 80-75. The Cavaliers had a much better turnover percentage (6.3 vs. 13.2) and had a much better free throw rate (0.262 vs. 0.127).
This matchup pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Dating back to last season, Purdue ranks 11th in offensive efficiency and Virginia ranks fifth in defensive efficiency.
Virginia vs. Purdue ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Purdue ranks 42nd in three pointers attempted per game (26.3) while Virginia ranks 217th (21.1).
The Cavaliers rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Boilermakers rank 203rd (3.7).
Virginia ranks second in assists allowed per game (8.5) while Purdue ranks 95th (12.1).
The Boilermakers rank 176th in steals per game (6.2) while the Cavaliers rank 230th (5.7).
Virginia ranks eighth in rebounds allowed per game (29.8) while Purdue ranks 24th (31.7).
