Purdue vs Iowa Prediction: Backing the Road Underdog

Purdue vs Iowa Prediction: Backing the Road Underdog

Thursday night college hoops will feature multiple good matchups across the board, but there will be a lot of action going on in the Big Ten. This action will include an affair between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Purdue vs Iowa Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

Date: Thursday, January 27

Game Time: 9:00 pm ET

Where to Watch: FS1

Click Here for Purdue vs. Iowa Odds

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Line Movement

Purdue vs Iowa Prediction

This long-time rivalry will take place tonight in Iowa City. Purdue comes into this game as one of the best teams in all of the nation, led by big man Zach Edey and a future lottery pick in guard Jaden Ivey. This team has been impressive all year. They are sporting a record of 16-3, good for the number six ranking in all of the nation.

The depth and experience of Matt Painters' team make them a threat come March. Iowa has had an up and down season as they have looked great at times, and other games just completely overmatched. Iowa represents one of the best players in the Big ten in forward, Keegan Murray, who has been outstanding this season, averaging a league-high 22.8 points per game while ripping down 8.4 rebounds per game. The guard play for Iowa has struggled at times this season, but they still feel confident in this roster, including veteran sharpshooter Jordan Bohanon. The Boilermakers come into this game tonight as a short two-point favorite and will look to continue their hot season in a very tough environment. 

I am going to take Purdue tonight on the short money line, and here is why. The first reason I like them in this spot is the size they can bring compared to Iowa. Keegan Murray is a great player. I will not dispute that, but this will be by far his most difficult matchup of the season.

Similar to the game plan that was used on Kofi Cockburn when they played Illinois, this matchup will be favorable to the Boilermakers. I expect Murray to get shown a lot of doubles and force other guys to step up and beat you. Purdue has two of the best big men in all of the nations on their roster, so they will be able to rotate the two and show Murray different looks in this game.

I also think that Purdue will have no issues with this Iowa defense who has shown their weaknesses at times this season, facing good offenses. Purdue is one of the best offenses in the nation, as they can hit you from so many different spots. Coming off a road loss to Indiana, I expect them to be well focused for this game tonight in Iowa City. I love the line we are getting in this game tonight, and I will be riding with the road team to get a big conference win tonight. 

Purdue vs Iowa Pick

• Pick: Purdue ML -130 (Bet $130 to win $100)