The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (19-13) square off against the No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers (26-5) Friday in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Tip-off is at noon ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around Rutgers vs. Purdue odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Purdue ended the year 4-4 over its last 8 games with losses to Indiana (x2), Northwestern and Maryland after a strong start to the season. The Boilermakers are still the favorites to win the Big Ten Tournament and if they did so would be a big step toward being a top seed on Selection Sunday.
Rutgers topped Michigan 62-50 Thursday in the 2nd round of the tournament. The Scarlet Knights should be on the right side of the bubble for March Madness even if they lose to Purdue.
Rutgers beat Purdue 65-64 on Jan. 2, winning outright as an 8.5-point road underdog as the Under (131) connected.
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Rutgers vs. Purdue odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:44 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rutgers +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Purdue -270 (bet $270 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rutgers +6.5 (-115) | Purdue -6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 128.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Rutgers vs. Purdue picks and predictions
Prediction
Purdue 63, Rutgers 60
Moneyline
Rutger’s defensive play has been its anchor this season. The Scarlet Knights are 7th in opponent points per game (60.4) and 10th in opponent shooting percentage (39.31%).
However, Purdue is number 3 in the country for a reason, in large part due to rebounding. They are 2nd in offensive rebound percentage (38%) and 1st in opponent defensive rebounds per game (18.1).
While I think Purdue (-270) is likely to get the victory in the rematch, you shouldn’t risk more than 2 1/2 times your potential return on a moneyline wager.
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Against the spread
Purdue has the 2nd worst ATS record in the Big Ten as a favorite (9-15-2) and is just 3-4 ATS with a rest advantage. Rutgers has more to play for and won’t be rusty.
BET RUTGERS +6.5 (-115).
Over/Under
Both these teams have leaned towards the Under this year. Rutgers is 12-20 O/U and Purdue is 13-17-1 O/U. I expect both teams to need some time to settle in this neutral-court quarterfinal Friday.
LEAN UNDER 128.5 (-115).
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