Purdue vs. Illinois Prediction
The Purdue Boilermakers are laying nearly double-digits on the road tonight against Illinois but here’s why they’re still a good bet to cover the spread when the Big Ten teams meet at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Who Oddsmakers Like: Purdue. According to oddsmakers from online sports book YouWager, the Boilermakers are now 9.5-point road favorites to beat the Illini, who opened as 10-point home underdogs. The total, meanwhile, sits at 147.5 points.
Who Public Bettors Like: Purdue. As of Thursday morning, 57% of betting tickets are on the Boilermakers to cover the spread. Meanwhile, 60% of the betting tickets wagered online for this game are on the over.
Bet Tonight’s College Hoops Action
Injury to Watch
Vince Edwards did not play on Sunday against Penn State after injuring his ankle the day before. He’s doubtful to suit up tonight for the Boilermakers.
Betting Strategy
I’m not a big proponent of laying nearly double digits on a road team in a conference game but I’ll make the exception tonight. Illinois beat Nebraska on Sunday and then played two nights later in East Lansing versus Michigan State. Fast forward to tonight, where they’ll host a Purdue team that finally notched a victory over battling some adversity. That’s three games in less than a week for an Illinois team that is highly inexperienced. The Illini are just 1-4 against the spread in their last five games overall and have failed to cover the number in six of their last eight home games. I’ll be laying the wood with Purdue.
THURSDAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREDICTION: PURDUE BOILERMAKERS -9.5