The No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers (12-2, 1-2 Big Ten) and Penn State Nittany Lions (7-5, 2-2) clash in a Saturday Big Ten battle in State College, Pa. The contest at the Bryce Jordan Center is scheduled to start at noon ET. Below, we look at the Purdue vs. Penn State odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Purdue is coming off a Monday home loss to Wisconsin. The loss to the Badgers snapped a four-game win streak. In the game – a 74-69 setback – the nation’s fourth-leading offense (85.9 points per game) was held under 70 points for just a second time this season.
The Nittany Lions have been solid defensively and on the boards in winning three of their last four. Before that stretch, Penn State had lost three of four (Nov. 26-Dec. 5). Across its last four games, PSU has held opponents to 65.5 PPG while being a plus-4.0 in rebounding.
Purdue at Penn State odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Purdue -475 (bet $475 to win $100) | Purdue +340 (bet $100 to win $340)
- Against the spread (ATS): Purdue -9.5 (-107) | Purdue +9.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Purdue at Penn State odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Penn State 73, Purdue 69
Money line
Penn State has been sneaky-solid lately. This play would be more of a value stealth attack if the Boilermakers hadn’t lost Monday. But the price here will do. BET THE NITTANY LIONS (+340).
Against the spread
The Boilermakers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall. The underdog is 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight PU-PSU meetings.
Purdue is a very strong team, but peg the expectations of late as being overcooked.
The Nittany Lions are led by first-year head coach Micah Shrewsberry, who spent the last three years as an assistant at Purdue. Shrewsberry’s Lions have the home hardwood and the momentum in this one. PSU is an experienced, slow-temp squad. Getting more than 5 or 6 points here is a boon for bettors. TAKE PENN STATE +9.5 (-115).
Over/Under
Peg this game as reaching the 140s. Because Purdue has some advantages in the 1- and 3-point games (free throws and triples) and in second-chance points, the OVER 138.5 (-110) is a decent play here as a hedge if betting PSU. If the Boilers cover, its likely in an Over.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]