The Purdue Boilermakers will have a tough time winning their first Big Ten game of the season tonight when they host the No. 1 UCLA Bruins. Tip-off for this conference showdown is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at the Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, IN. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
As could be expected, the Bruins are heavy 25.5-point favorites. Since this is UCLA's first season in the Big Ten, there isn't much history between the two schools. Let's take a look at the odds for the game and our preview & prediction.
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UCLA vs. Purdue Betting Preview
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Details
- Betting Line: UCLA -25.5 (-110) | O/U 138.5 (-110/-110)
- Location: Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, IN
- Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Coverage: Big Ten Network
- Last Meeting: November 6, 2023-UCLA won 92-49
Overview
To say the Bruins have gotten off to a good start in their new conference would be an understatement. They brought South Carolina's 40+ game winning streak to an end earlier this season, earning the right to ascend to the No. 1 spot in the polls.
Since then, UCLA has continued its undefeated run, winning every game by double digits. With the No. 17 offense and No. 10 defense, it is not surprising that teams are struggling to compete with them this year.
If there is a hole in their game, it's free throw shooting and three-point shooting. They rank 15th in the Big Ten in free throws attempted, 12th in free throw percentage and 14th in made free throws. As for their three-point shooting, they rank 123rd in the country (which is not bad) but 11th in the Big Ten.
As for Purdue, it is not hard to see why the Boilermakers have struggled in Big Ten play so far. They rank among the worst in several statistical categories. They are just 16th in the Big Ten in scoring with 66.9 points per game, No. 18 in defense with 72.1 points per game allowed and No. 17 in scoring margin (-5.2 ppg).
It's pretty hard to be competitive, let alone win games, with a negative scoring margin.
Trends
- UCLA and Purdue have only played four times, each winning the two games on their home court.
- Purdue is 0-6 vs. ranked opponents this season and 0-3 vs. top-10 teams.
- UCLA has beaten every team they've played this season by double digits with the exception of one, their season opener (vs. then-No. 17 Louisville, 66-59).
- Purdue has not begun conference play 0-4 in over 20 seasons (if ever).
Bottom Line
It is pretty hard to find any reason to believe the Boilermakers will be competitive in this game, let alone win. UCLA has one of the better defenses in the country, while Purdue's offense is average on its best days. The Boilermakers' defense doesn't stand a chance against one of the best offenses in the country.
UCLA will record its first win against the Boilermakers in West Lafayette today. But will they dominate the game enough to win by 25.5 points? There is no reason to think they can't.
Pick: ULCA -25.5 (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
