The Michigan Wolverines are one of the top defensive teams in all of college basketball. Michigan’s weakness with Vegas Lines NCAA Basketball is an inconsistent offense that lacks a dominant scorer. The Purdue Boilermakers on the other hand are an elite and complete team. The Boilermakers are dominant on both ends of the hardwood. Purdue also boasts a top shelf player in sophomore guard Carsen Edwards. The Boilermakers host the Wolverines on Thursday night.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Date and Time: Thursday, January 25, 2018, 7 p.m. Eastern
Location: Mackey Arena
NCAA Basketball Odds at SBG: Purdue -11.5
Wolverines vs. Boilermakers TV Coverage: ESPN
Purdue
The Purdue Boilermakers have been one of the top money makers with vegas lines NCAA basketball. Purdue is 19-2 straight up and 14-6 against the spread. The Boilers are 8-3 against the spread at home. Purdue is well rested having last played on Saturday in an 87-64 payout at Iowa. The Boilers rank 19th in the nation for scoring offense and 12th for scoring defense. Carsen Edwards is the Purdue leading scorer with an average of 17.2 points per game. Edwards scored 22 points and added eight assists in the win at Iowa.
Purdue has gone under the total in seven out of 11 home games. The Boilers are in good form lately with seven payouts in their last nine games. Head coach Matt Painter is fully back in the good graces of Purdue fans. Painter was on the hot seat in 2014 after the Boilers went 15-17. Purdue missed the Big Dance for the second consecutive season that year. The Boilers have built upon the momentum of last season when they earned their third Sweet Sixteen berth under Painter.
Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines have a record of 17-5 straight up and 11-8-1 against the spread. Michigan has dropped two out of their last three games against the spread. The Wolverines have gone under the total in four out of their last five games. Michigan is coming off a 62-47 home win and payout over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The Wolverines have has earned their success this year based on a defense that ranks 13th best in the nation. The defense has served to cover for an anemic offense that lacks a pure scorer. The Michigan offense ranks 164th in the nation for points per game. Charles Matthews is the leading Michigan scorer with a modest 14.6 points per game. The Wolverines have split their six away games against the spread this season. They are also an even 3-3 on away totals.
Team vs Team
Michigan has had recent good sportsbook success against Purdue. The Wolverines have covered the spread in four out of their last five matchups with the Boilermakers. Purdue and Michigan have gone under the total in three out of their last four meetings. Purdue has totally dominated this series at Mackey Arena however. The Boilermakers have covered the spread in four straight home games against the Wolverines. Purdue and Michigan have gone over the total in four out of their last five games at Mackey Arena.
Matchup to Watch
This matchup with Vegas Lines NCAA Basketball comes down to Purdue’s superior advantage on offense. The Boilermakers also boast the best player on the floor in Edwards. Michigan lacks the offensive firepower to keep pace in this one.
Wolverines vs. Boilermakers NCAA Basketball Picks
Purdue owns Michigan at Mackey and will get the cash yet again.
NCAA Basketball Betting Pick: Purdue Boilermakers
NCAA Basketball Betting Score Prediction: Boilermakers 89, Wolverines 69