
The Big Ten power Purdue hosts Evansville for an intriguing non-conference clash tonight. Purdue features an experienced, All-American guard in Braden Smith and a deep, balanced roster. Evansville, under coach David Ragland, leans heavily on its scoring guard Tayshawn Comer and strives to generate offense through pace and versatility. This game presents clear prop-opportunities around usage, shot volume and rebounding control. Here are four standout props heading into tonight.
Braden Smith is the engine of the Boilermakers’ offense — he averaged 8.7 assists per game in 2024-25. Evansville’s defense allowed high assist rates last season (their 13.1 assists allowed per game) and struggled at closing passing lanes. Smith should be in ideal conditions: Purdue projects to dominate possession, Evansville may miss shots against Purdue’s size, leading to transition chances and more assist opportunities.
Tayshawn Comer led Evansville last season with 16.2 points per game. Even against a strong opponent like Purdue, Comer will be the offensive focal point for Evansville. Expect him to create his own shot, attack ball-screens, and draw fouls. Given his consistent volume and the probable number of possessions in this game, the over-14.5 is a solid target.
Purdue returns key size, including 7-footers and forwards who excel on the glass, while Evansville ranked last season with a rebounding margin of –3.1 boards per game and allowed 36.3 rebounds per game to opponents. With likely shot-volume differentials (Purdue takes more shots and allows fewer), Purdue should get plenty of rebounding opportunities — both offensively and defensively.
Evansville shot only ~30.3% from three last season and made about 6.8 threes per game. Purdue defends the perimeter aggressively and closes out well, so Evansville likely won’t hit its average treys tonight. Betting the under on 5.5 makes offers good value.
Game Prediction: Purdue vs. Evansville
Purdue enters this matchup as a heavy favorite, boasting one of the nation’s most balanced and efficient lineups. Braden Smith’s command of the offense, coupled with Purdue’s deep frontcourt and disciplined half-court sets, should overwhelm an Evansville team that lacks comparable size and experience. The Boilermakers’ defense will likely force Evansville into tough, contested shots, and the rebounding edge—led by Mason Gillis and Caleb Furst—should translate into multiple second-chance opportunities.
Evansville’s quick guards, including Tayshawn Comer and Yacine Toumi, will try to push the pace and create open looks from outside, but maintaining consistency against Purdue’s defensive rotations will be difficult. Expect the Purple Aces to compete early before the Boilermakers’ depth and execution take over.
Prediction: Purdue 87, Evansville 61. The Boilermakers dominate the glass, control tempo, and cruise to another convincing early-season win at Mackey Arena.

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