The Purdue Boilermakers are in Ann Arbor, Michigan tonight to take on their Big 10 rivals, the Wolverines. The Boilermakers are trying to fight their way to the top of the conference standings as they trail first place Michigan State by just one game. This evening's contest, a rematch of a January 31st battle which Purdue won 67-49, is set to get underway at 9:00pm ET at the Crisler Arena; it will be televised live on ESPN.
Purdue vs Michigan College Basketball Picks at SBGglobal.com have Purdue listed as a -2.5 against the spread road favorite.
Michigan has had its share of troubles in conference action this season, but the pinnacle of their frustration probably occurred on Sunday when they fell 60-70 in overtime to the lowly Iowa Hawkeyes. The loss dropped the Wolverines to 7-8 in Big 10 play and moved their overall record to 17-11.
John Beilein's squad managed to hit just 20 of their 62 field goal attempts and they were outrebounded by Iowa 37 to 29. Michigan's leading scorer, Manny Harris, went 3-of-13 from the field and scored just nine points.
Despite their occasional woes this year, Michigan is 13-3 in Ann Arbor this season and 5-2 versus Big 10 teams at Crisler Arena. They average 71.2 points per game at home and allow their competition an average of 59.4 per outing.
The Boilermakers have been outstanding this season, going 10-4 in conference play and winning 21 of their 27 games. They have been particularly solid of late in besting their last four opponents (Penn State, Iowa, Michigan State, and Indiana) by an average of 12.5 points per game. The Hoosiers were the latest Boilermaker victim, falling 67-81 at Mackey Arena on Saturday night.
Matt Painter's team shot 57.1 percent from the field in the game and hit 7-of-13 from three point range. Guard E'Twaun Moore scored 26 points in the lopsidded affair and forward JaJuan Johnson added 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Boilermaker defense made its presence felt as well, recording 11 steals and blocking eight shots.
Purdue is 5-3 away from West Lafayette this season. They have not been a high powered offensive unit on the road, averaging a paltry 62.3 per game.
SBGglobal.com's Purdue vs Michigan College Basketball Picks:
Purdue Boilermakers -2.5 (-110), -140 (Moneyline)
Michigan Wolverines +2.5 (-110), +120 (Moneyline)
