The No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers (20-2, 9-2 Big Ten) are set to clash with the No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers (16-5, 8-2 Big Ten) in a high-stakes Big Ten showdown. With both teams vying for conference supremacy, this matchup at the Kohl Center promises to be a battle of titans. Let’s dive into our Purdue at Wisconsin predictions below.
Purdue at Wisconsin Odds
- Moneyline: Purdue -137 (FanDuel) / Wisconsin +124 (DraftKings)
- Spread: Purdue -2.5 (FanDuel)
- Total: 144.5 / Over -105 / Under -115 (FanDuel)
Game Info
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 04
- Time: 01:00 PM ET
- Location: Kohl Center – Madison, WI
- TV: CBS
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Trends
- On the road, Purdue Boilermakers are 4 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Purdue Boilermakers are 12 and 8.
- Against the spread on the road, Purdue Boilermakers are 5 and 3.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Trends
- At home, Wisconsin Badgers are 11 and 1 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Wisconsin Badgers are 11 and 9.
- Against the spread at home, Wisconsin Badgers are 8 and 4.
Purdue at Wisconsin Predictions
The Purdue Boilermakers are riding a wave of momentum, having won their last three games, including a nail-biting overtime victory against Northwestern. Purdue’s offense, ranked 8th nationally in points per game (85.8) and 6th in assists (18.9), is spearheaded by the towering presence of center Zach Edey, who leads the team with an average of 23.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. Guard Braden Smith’s playmaking abilities will also be crucial, as he averages 7.5 assists per game. The Boilermakers’ sharpshooting from beyond the arc, hitting 40.4% of their three-point attempts, could prove to be a decisive factor.
Wisconsin, however, is a formidable opponent, especially at home where they boast an impressive 11-1 record. The Badgers are coming off a tough overtime loss to Nebraska but have shown resilience throughout the season. Guard AJ Storr leads the team in scoring with 16.5 points per game, and forward Steven Crowl’s 7.8 rebounds per game will be vital in controlling the boards. Wisconsin’s offense is not to be underestimated, with a 47.4% field goal percentage that ranks them 59th in the nation. Their slower pace and efficiency could counteract Purdue’s high-powered offense.
The key matchup to watch will be the battle in the paint between Purdue’s Edey and Wisconsin’s Crowl. Edey’s size and scoring ability present a significant challenge, but Crowl’s defensive prowess and rebounding could limit his impact. Additionally, Purdue’s perimeter defense will be tested by Wisconsin’s capable shooters. With both teams looking to assert their dominance in the Big Ten, expect a fiercely contested game that could come down to the final possessions.
Purdue at Wisconsin Picks
Given the offensive prowess of both the Purdue Boilermakers and the Wisconsin Badgers, the Over pick for the total line of 144.5 seems to be the right choice for this matchup.
Purdue’s offense is one of the most efficient in the nation, ranking 8th in points per game and 6th in assists, while Wisconsin’s 47.4% field goal percentage indicates they can keep pace with high-scoring teams. The Boilermakers’ ability to shoot from deep, with a 40.4% three-point field goal percentage, could lead to a high-scoring affair, especially if Wisconsin’s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities, struggles to contain them.
Additionally, the Badgers’ methodical offense is likely to exploit Purdue’s defensive gaps, contributing to a potential shootout. Historically, these two teams have engaged in closely contested battles, with the last five meetings being decided by an average of 3.6 points.
However, this season’s offensive statistics suggest that both teams have the firepower to push the score beyond the total line. Purdue’s recent games have trended towards high scoring, with three of their last five games going Over.
Wisconsin’s home advantage and their ability to bounce back from losses, combined with Purdue’s offensive momentum, point towards a game where both teams will likely exceed scoring expectations, making the Over an attractive pick.
The Pick: Over 144.5 (FanDuel)