Purdue vs. Wisconsin Odds
| Purdue Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 144.5 -110o / -110u | -140 |
| Wisconsin Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 144.5 -110o / -110u | +116 |
Well, we made it to March, but there's plenty of business to be handled before we can indulge in the madness. The Big Ten — arguably the most competitive conference in college basketball — is in a tight race for the regular-season title.
This matchup can help decide it.
The Purdue Boilermakers won't clinch a Big Ten title with a victory over the Wisconsin Badgers, but they can take a closer step to earning the crown. Also, the Badgers can clinch at least a share of the title with a victory.
This matchup not only has huge implications, but it's also an opportunity for the Boilermakers to avenge an early-season loss.
The first meeting came at the beginning of conference play and ultimately turned into a breakout game for Wisconsin's Johnny Davis. The Wooden Award candidate dropped 37 points on the way to Wisconsin's five-point victory.
However, the stage for this matchup is very different, as this will be a meeting between two top-10 teams that still have every reason to play hard.
Purdue Will Utilize Big Men
This plan of attack should come as no surprise. Purdue's twin towers of Zach Edey and Trevion Williams have been a difficult matchup for every opponent this season.
However, the duo showed just how effective they could be in the first meeting between these two teams.
The 7-foot-4 Edey is four inches taller than Wisconsin's biggest player, and he used that advantage to drop 24 points and grab 10 rebounds vs. the Badgers.
Williams was quieter in the first game, but we have seen just how lethal he can be on the low block, both as a scorer and a passer.
Edey was a problem for the Badgers, as it became clear early on that Steven Crowl could not stay in front of him. As a result, Crowl racked up fouls in the first half, which only furthered the mismatch. Crowl eventually fouled out.
Now, I expect an adjustment to be made, but doubling Edey in the post could produce even more disastrous results. Jaden Ivey (the team's leading scorer) and Sasha Stefanovic (a 40% 3-point shooter) will be lurking on the outside, ready to take any open shot.
Overall, the Boilermakers have too many weapons on the offensive end of the court for Wisconsin to contain this time around. The game will likely be decided on the other end of the court.
Wisconsin Needs Others to Step Up
I highlighted Davis' big performance in the first game in the introduction, and he has proven that was no fluke, as he averages 20.5 points per game.
However, Wisconsin will need to find another option in this one, as I expect Purdue to do everything it can to contain Davis.
Wisconsin does have one man other than Davis that has shown an ability to go off this season. That man would be Brad Davison.
Wisconsin is not a great 3-point shooting team (279th in 3-point percentage), but Davison is its best, and he can get very hot from behind the arc. He's shooting 35% from 3 this season, and many of his shot attempts are 3s.
Davison's prowess from behind the arc could become a significant factor in this game, as Purdue has been burned from deep in its losses (Michigan State shot 45%, Michigan shot 57% and Rutgers drilled 50%).
Converting triples is a part of the recipe to take down Purdue, however, Wisconsin was 6-of-24 in the first meeting and still came away victorious. If Davis is contained and their outside shooting remains stagnant, the Badgers could be in for a tough day at the office.
Purdue vs. Wisconsin Betting Pick
This matchup has a multitude of different factors — both internal and external. However, they all swing in favor of the Boilermakers.
Purdue is a team motivated by revenge and wants to earn the Big Ten title. I think the Boilers make life very difficult for Davis, and the Badgers don't have enough to supplement against this high-powered Purdue team.
So, take the Boilermakers to finish the job here.
