Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Purdue Boilermakers Prediction, Pick and Preview, February 20 (2/20): NCB

Credit: photo by Catalina Fragoso-USA TODAY Sports

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will visit the Mackey Arena to face off the Purdue Boilermakers. Last December, Ron Harper Jr hit a buzzer-beater from just inside half court, and Rutgers shocked Purdue in its first-ever game as the nation's No. 1 team, winning 70-68. Rutgers were +13.5 points underdogs.

RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS

The Scarlet Knights have won 4 straigh games and are beating everybody, Illini, Wisconsin, Ohio St, Michigan St you name it! Rutgers isn't just beating ranked teams, they are dominating them with a relentless hard-nosed style of play.

No. 12 Illinois became the fourth straight ranked team to fall to the Scarlet Knights, getting beat 70-59 on Wednesday night. Rutgers' run is almost sure to get Steve Pikiell's team a ranking for the first time this season and a berth in the NCAA Tournament for a second straight season..

The team is averaging 68.44 ppg and 34.1% from long distance shots. Defensively are allowing 64.56 ppg and 31.74 rebounds.

PURDUE BOILERMAKERS

#5 Purdue are 8-1 in their last 9 games and are coming from a win against Northwestern. Zach Edey had 14 points and eight rebounds, and Purdue moved into first place in the Big Ten. They shot 45% from the field and committed 14 turnovers in a rugged performance by one of the country's most efficient teams. But they held the Wildcats to 35% shooting and controlled the glass with a 39-34 rebounding advantage. Purdue looked a little tired. Jaden Ivey struggled. Same for Trevion Williams.

The Boilermakers are averaging 82.15 ppg and shooting 50.16% from the field goal and 40.42% from long distance. Defensively are allowing 69.70 points per game and 26.42 rebounds.

BETTING TRENDS

Rutgers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games.

Rutgers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against Purdue.

Purdue are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games at home.

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Purdue's last 7 games against Rutgers.

Prediction

With all the respect to the Boilmakers, who are a great team, I'm not gonna give away 12 points to a hot team like Rutgers with the way they're playing, they maybe don't have a good record on the road and I'm not saying they'll beat Purdue again but these are too many points. I'm going with Rutgers with the spread.

PICK: Rutgers +12 (-110)

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