College Basketball Iowa vs Purdue: Odds, Picks and Predictions Thursday Feb 9

Iowa vs Purdue Preview

The Purdue Boilermakers are looking to rebound off a very disappointing 79-74 loss to Big 10 rival Indiana. Although Purdue’s loss to Indiana shouldn’t carry much weight in my opinion as Indiana and Purdue have split their yearly matchups the last couple of years, depending on who has home-court advantage. With it being one of the biggest rivalries in college basketball it’s understandable why Purdue remains ranked number one after the loss.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are coming into this game riding a three-game winning streak with their latest win coming on April 4th against a very good Illinois Fighting Illini team. Iowa’s last loss came back on January 26th when they could only score 61 points against a mediocre Michigan State team.

Purdue has been an absolute juggernaut this season in the NCAAB with their only two losses coming to Big Ten rivalry opponents Rutgers, and Indiana. I look for Purdue to rebound from their upset loss to Indiana without a hitch when they face the Hawkeyes at home in Mackey Arena on Thursday night. Purdue has been the best in the country this year when it comes to controlling the tempo of the game.

Led by one of the best big men in the country Zach Edey who is averaging 24.4 points per game and 13.2 rebounds per game, Purdue has been able to assert their dominance on the post. Edey should be able to dominate the paint against a less physical Iowa team. I look for Edey to have another 30-plus point night.  Purdue has been able to average 74 points per game this season, throwing up some big numbers against some very notable teams. Purdue scored 84 against 6th-ranked Gonzaga, and 75 against 8th-ranked Duke earlier this season.

Purdue has also played some very good defense this season only allowing 61 points per game. With Edey pulling down 13 rebounds a game it doesn’t allow for Purdue’s opponents to have many second chances on their offensive possessions.

The Hawkeyes are averaging an eye-popping 81.5 points per game. Iowa has been able to score in bunches at times with a fast-paced up-tempo offense. Led by Kris Murray averaging 20.5 points per game. Iowa has had a relatively good season this year starting the season 8-3 before a 3-game losing streak at the end of December.

Iowa has had to put up big numbers this year offensively to keep their record thus far at a respectable 15-8 because they have allowed their opponents to score an average of 73.5 points per game.

The Hawkeye’s inability to play physical defense has allowed their opponents to control the paint, and we have seen the Hawkeyes sometimes struggle to control the tempo of the game. Iowa has had its best games when they have been able to score in transition and outrun their opponents for 40 minutes.

Purdue vs Iowa Head-to-Head last season

Last season the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Purdue Boilermakers met twice once in regular season conference play where Purdue was able to handle the Hawkeyes 83-73. When the two teams met for a second time in the Big Ten tournament last season the Hawkeyes were able to come away with the win due to a poor shooting night by Purdue.

In my opinion, last year’s matchups won’t play a big role when the two teams face off in Mackey Arena Thursday night, the Boilermakers are a much better team than they were last year largely due to the improvements Zach Edey has made coming into this season.  

Team Leaders

Betting on the game! (Purdue -7.0)

This game has the possibility of getting out of hand rather quickly. Purdue is one of the best teams in the nation at controlling the tempo of the game, while Iowa has struggled when they must slow down and play half-court basketball. Purdue should be able to impose their will in the paint, and I look for Purdue’s Zach Edey to have a big night scoring over 30 points.

Iowa’s best chance for success in this game is to take a page out of the Hoosier’s playbook, get up early, and play fast transition basketball wearing down Purdue’s big and very physical team. I think the safe bet in this game is going to be to bet Purdue to cover the spread and give up the 7 points. If you place a $100 bet on Purdue to cover the points spread at -110 odds, a winning bet would pay out $190. I believe Purdue has the potential for running away with this game winning by 15 points or more.

Over Under Purdue Vs Iowa (149.5)

This game is going to come down to which team can control the tempo. Purdue looks to be that team, and I think Purdue will be good at controlling this game scoring right around their season average of 73 to 75 points.

Iowa will struggle with the tempo in this game most likely, having one of their lowest-scoring nights of the season.

With the over-under in this game being 149.5 I easily bet the under in this game.

Iowa vs Purdue How to Watch 🏀

📅 Date: Thursday, February, 9

🕚 Game Time: 7 p.m EST

📺 How to Watch: ESPN 2

Venue: Mackey Arena West Lafayette, IN