Well, maybe the Big Ten regular-season title isn’t out of reach for either No. 18 Purdue or No. 20 Minnesota after all.
The Boilermakers and Gophers face off on Thursday night in the Twin Cities, with Minnesota actually a 1-point underdog on WagerWeb.com. The Big Ten figured to be out of reach for both with Michigan State playing so well, but the Spartans were upset by Northwestern on Wednesday night, leaving Minnesota and Purdue just one back in the loss column.
Purdue actually was the media’s pick to win the Big Ten this year, but Minnesota has been the surprise. The Gophers go 11 deep on their bench, with that many players averaging double figures in minutes. Only one player, Lawrence Westbrook, averages more than 10 points, but six players average more than 6.0 ppg. However, that depth will take a bit of a hit tonight as senior center Jon Williams pulled a muscle in his calf in practice and won’t play.
Still, the Gophers will have a big size advantage in the post.
“We really have to look to get the ball to the big guys,” forward Damian Johnson said. “They’ll have a height advantage. Colton (Iverson) hasn’t been as involved as he used to, but I think he’s going to get out of it.”
Against Purdue’s man-to-man defense, Iverson and Sampson should have the chance to get some looks inside.
The Boilermakers have held 14 of their 18 opponents below 40 percent shooting, and their 36.0 field-goal percentage allowed leads the nation. Purdue also is forcing a conference-best 16.7 turnovers per game.
Offensively, the team has three double-digit scoring averages, starting with E’Twuan Moore’s 13.9 ppg. Robbie Hummel and JaJuan Johnson are effective frontcourt options at 13.8 and 12.5 ppg,
Purdue started 0-2 in the Big Ten but has righted the ship in winning three games in a row. Purdue has won two straight against the Golden Gophers overall, but has lost five of its last six visits to Minnesota. This is only the sixth time in 171 meetings in this series that both teams come in ranked in the top-25.
WagerWeb.com Game Trends
* Boilermakers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
* Boilermakers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as a road favorite.
* Boilermakers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite of 0.5-6.5.
* Boilermakers are 24-9-1 ATS in their last 34 vs. Big Ten.
* Boilermakers are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.
* Boilermakers are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 road games.
* Boilermakers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Boilermakers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
* Boilermakers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Boilermakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
* Golden Gophers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Golden Gophers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
* Golden Gophers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
* Golden Gophers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.
* Golden Gophers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Golden Gophers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big Ten.
* Golden Gophers are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5.
* Golden Gophers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Golden Gophers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
* Golden Gophers are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 games as a home underdog.
* Golden Gophers are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games as a home underdog of 0.5-6.5.
* Under is 9-0 in the last 9 meetings.
* Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Minnesota.
* Home team is 4-0-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
* Boilermakers are 1-4-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Minnesota.
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