Star Big Men Headline In-State Rivalry
The No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers (22-1, 11-1 Big Ten) have separated themselves from the pack as the season’s first unanimous No. 1 in the AP Top 25 Poll. However, Saturday will be a tough challenge as Purdue travels to take on its in-state rival, the No. 21 Indiana Hoosiers (15-7, 6-5).
This matchup will feature two of college basketball’s best frontcourt players – Purdue’s Zach Edey and Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis. The Boilermakers are in the midst of a nine-game winning streak while going 6-2-1 against the spread (ATS). The Hoosiers had their five-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with a 66-55 loss against Maryland. Which team will get bragging right in this classic rivalry?
Let’s check the latest college basketball news, stats, injury reports, and college basketball lines for Purdue vs Indiana. We’ve got plenty of NCAA basketball picks for you to consider.
Revamped Defense Elevates Purdue to Title Contender
After entering the season unranked, Purdue has been perhaps the biggest surprise in college basketball. The Boilermakers were expected to be a solid team, but Edey (22 points and 13 rebounds) and freshmen guards Fletcher Loyer (12.4 points) and Braden Smith (9.5 points) have elevated Purdue to national title contenders. In fact, NCAAB odds have the Boilermakers as the second choice to win it all (+1000). Plus, Purdue is +225 to make the Final Four, which would be its first since 1980.
The defense’s improvement has also been a big factor. The Boilermakers boast one of the nation’s top offenses once again, ranking second in Kenpom’s offensive efficiency, but the defense is 18th in efficiency compared to 93rd last season. In addition, Purdue ranks ninth at 60.3 allowed points per game, compared to 68.4 last season (141st). The Boilermakers have continued to guard at a high level, allowing only 57 points per game over the last five contests.
Purdue’s interior defense will be a major factor against Indiana. The Hoosiers shoot 54.5% on 2-pointers (36th) and are led by one of the country’s top frontcourt players – Jackson-Davis. Edey, who is the runaway favorite for National Player of the Year at -1500, will have his hands full.
Indiana: Season Full of Adversity
The Hoosiers’ season has been filled with adversity as various key players went down with injuries. At 6-5 in the Big Ten, Indiana’s hopes to win the conference are a longshot at +8000. However, handing Purdue its second loss would be a big boost for the Hoosiers’ March Madness seeding. Indiana is currently tracking for a No. 5 seed and is +1200 to make the Final Four, per NCAAB lines.
The Hoosiers are finally getting healthy, winning five of their last six games. Forward Race Thompson (7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds) missed four games with a knee injury. Thompson returned on Jan. 22 and has seen his minutes steadily increase. He comes off his best performance since returning with 11 points and four rebounds. His presence on the glass will be huge against the Boilermakers, who rank 13th in rebounds per game.
Guard Xavier Johnson (foot) is doubtful on Saturday. However, freshman guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (12.3 points) has stepped up big time in his absence. Hood-Schifino recorded 24 points on Jan. 28’s win over Ohio State, but the freshman still lacks consistency. He comes off three points while shooting 1-of-14 in Tuesday’s loss against Maryland. Indiana’s backcourt, led by Hood-Schifino, must play well against Purdue.
Purdue vs Indiana Game Injuries
Purdue vs Indiana Head-to-Head
Over the last 10 meetings, Purdue is 9-1 and 5-4-1 ATS. However, Indiana won and covered its last home game against the Boilermakers in the 2021-22 season. The Hoosiers are 3-2 ATS in their last five home games against Purdue.
Purdue vs Indiana Game Information
- Game: No. 1 Purdue (22-1, 11-1 Big Ten) vs No. 21 Indiana (15-7, 6-5)
- Location: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington, IN
- Day/Time: Saturday, Feb. 4, 3:00 p.m. ET
- Purdue vs Indiana Live Stream: TBS.com
Purdue vs Indiana Betting Lines
Purdue vs Indiana Picks and Prediction
Purdue is 6-0 on the road and Indiana is 11-1 in Assembly Hall. Which side will fold on Saturday?
The Boilermakers’ offense is all about spacing. Edey constantly draws double teams in the paint, leading to open 3-point shots. Purdue has the shooters to knock them down with three players shooting 36% or better from deep. The Hoosiers are outside the top 100 in allowed 3-point percentage and surrendered 3-pointers made per game.
Indiana is also undersized, with 6-foot-9 Jackson-Davis manning the center spot. Purdue’s 7-foot-4 Edey will certainly draw plenty of double teams, exposing the Hoosiers’ weak perimeter defense. Look for the Boilermakers to cover the spread.
Purdue is listed at +1 1/2 in our Las Vegas college basketball lines.
Purdue vs Indiana Trends
Purdue vs Indiana Edge
Purdue vs Indiana Results
Purdue vs Indiana Game Summary
