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Purdue should be highly motivated after losing last Sunday at Ohio State. Rutgers has become a much better team, with Jeremiah Williams running the point. The point spread is over-inflated in this game because of the Boilermakers poor showing against Ohio State.
I look for the Boilermakers to be able to score points in this one, especially from the outside with Smith and Loyler, and Edey will score his usual points.
These odds were updated at 5 am EST on 2/21/24; the odds came from Draft Kings.
This spread looks to be an excellent line for Rutgers to cover. Purdue is the better team, but this game’s point spread is way too big. In my opinion I was expecting -12.5.
Purdue can win this game by 15 and still not cover. This line is artificially inflated due to Purdue and their rare loss, but Rutgers was more than competitive in their first meeting. Omoruyi did well against Edey, but his numbers did not equal Braden Smith (19pts). That is key in beating or slowing them down; let Edey get his numbers but make him earn them from the line instead of having other teammates beat you from outside – let Jeremiah Williams run things if Williams had been around earlier on this season the Scarlet Knights would possibly be a Tournament team.
I like Purdue to score in the low 80s in this game and if they do the over bet is safe.
I would stay away from the money line unless you plan on betting on Rutgers, but I don’t see how Rutgers wins this game. But, if I am betting the game I am taking the Scarlet Knights and the points.
I bet over this one because I think Purdue will have their way tonight with Rutgers. The Rutgers’ offense will turn the ball over, and the Boilers will roll in the transition game. The Boilermakers will also control the pace of this game.
The spread is big, but Sportsbooks expect to see an inspired Boilermakers team after their loss at Ohio State. The other issue is that Rutgers will have a hard time making this game ugly like they did with the previous encounter at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights do not have the offensive firepower to hang with Purdue in this one.
The last time these teams met was on Jan. 28, and Purdue came away victorious as an 11-point favorite, winning 68-60 on the road. Zach Edey led Purdue with 26 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, while Andre Hyatt chipped in 15 for Newark Scarlet Knights. The Rutgers’ defense kept them in the game, but they could not get any consistent offense as Purdue pulled away late in the game.
Both teams have a couple of questionable players coming into this game, and as of 7 AM on game day, they look to be game-time decisions.
TI like betting the over 139.5 in this game. I think an energetic Boilermakers team gets a big early lead and puts it in cruise the rest of the way. If I am betting on the point spread, I am taking the 15.5 points. The point spread overvalues Purdue in this spot. Prediction Purdue 83 Rutgers 70.
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