The Purdue Boilermakers (13-1, 4-9-1 ATS, 4-10 O/U) collide with the Ohio State Buckeyes (10-3, 7-6 ATS, 8-5 O/U) in a Big Ten battle on Thursday evening. The Boilermakers were dealt a home loss by Rutgers on Monday. The Buckeyes posted a dominating road win against Northwestern last time out. Purdue earned an 81-78 home win in the lone meeting against Ohio State last season.
The #1 Purdue Boilermakers are looking to rebound from their first defeat of the season. The remarkable string of 13 consecutive wins is over after a narrow 65-64 home loss to Rutgers on Monday night. Purdue was the 8.5-point favorite in the defeat. It’s not a cause for concern as Rutgers is a legit contending squad. Purdue has beaten Gonzaga and Duke this season. They have not been able to cover the spread in eight consecutive games.
Zach Edey recorded yet another double-double in Monday’s defeat. The junior center has collected a double-double in all three conference games and has delivered an average of 21.7 PPG and 13.4 RPG. Fletcher Loyer continues to slump, netting 10 or fewer points in each of his last three clashes. The freshman guard scored 10 on Monday and is averaging 12.1 PPG. Braden Smith has shot at least 50% in two out of his last three games. The freshman guard has pos ted an average of 8.9 PPG and 5.1 RPG.
?? Brandon Newman is getting things started for @BoilerBall ?? pic.twitter.com/9j5uH4VsaF
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 3, 2023
The Boilermakers are ranked seventh in Di in Ken Pomeroy’s ratings and will more than likely dip out of the #1 spot in the AP Top 25 after Monday’s defeat. Purdue is 2-0 on the road including a win against Florida State and Nebraska. Purdue has cooled down offensively recently and is scoring an average of 76.3 points, ranking them 100th. They are limiting opponents to 60.9 points, placing them 24th.