Purdue is laying 16 points today at home against the Wisconsin Badgers and I’m all over it. Yes 16 points is a lot of points especially in a conference game, but this one is a little different and I have a couple reasons why. Purdue has won the last 3 consecutive meetings between the two Big 10 teams and today should make 4 in a row. But will they cover the 16 point line? Here’s why I think they will.
by Tyler Wright – Wannamakeabet Staff Writer
To start with, anyone who knows basketball knows this Purdue team is legitimate. So far they are 17-2, (13-6) against the number. They have a 15-2 record when they are the favorite going into the game, and a solid 7-4 record ATS at home. So there’s that. Wisconsin on the other hand is 9-9 this year, 1-4 in road games, 1-3 in games they head into as the underdog and have a 2-3 ATS record on the road.
The Boilermakers play well at Mackey Arena, averaging 88 points a game on 50% shooting from the field. They also average about 41 rebounds per contest, 10 of which statistically will be offensive, giving them a nice little edge on second chance points. Wisconsin is struggling to score on the road so far this year averaging 55 points a game on 41% shooting in their away matchups.
Now if that isn’t enough, add in the fact that D’Mitrik Trice is out indefinitely with a foot injury, putting about all the offensive load on Ethan Happ and Brad Davison, and depleting an already shallow bench for Wisconsin, I just can’t see them keeping up with the Boilermakers. Like I said 16 points is a lot to give up when you’re in conference play…..but that’s why it’s called a gamble, and I like the home team here. Purdue -16