Purdue’s defense has been a turnstile lately, and UCLA’s riding a wave of momentum. Can the Boilermakers hold serve, or is the road dog barking?
Game Preview
New conference “rivals” meet for the first time in a quarter-century when Purdue hosts UCLA for a Big Ten showdown on Friday night in West Lafayette.
The Bruins have won seven of their last eight games, making a late push for the NCAA tournament. Meanwhile, the Boilermakers have lost four straight, and while they haven’t played themselves out of a March Madness bid yet, they’re certainly flirting with disaster.
Which side presents the best betting value? Let’s break it down.
NCAAB Betting Odds
Friday’s betting market opened Purdue as a -4.5 favorite over UCLA, with an over/under around 139. Early betting action pushed the Boilermakers to -5.5.
UCLA-Purdue Betting Preview
UCLA’s Recent Performance
The Bruins are 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS over their last four games, including a 69-61 victory over Ohio State last Sunday. UCLA, favored by -7.5, only led 39-37 with 13 minutes left but used a 22-11 run to take control and seal the win.
UCLA shot just 40 percent from the field but held the Buckeyes to 32 percent and dominated the boards 45-34.
Two games ago, the Bruins blew a 17-point lead and lost to Minnesota 64-61, but three games ago, they went on the road and beat Indiana 72-68.
At 11-6 in Big Ten play, UCLA is tied for fourth place in the conference alongside Maryland and Purdue. The top four finishers get a double-bye in the conference tournament. At 20-8 overall, the Bruins are a strong bet to make the NCAA tournament.
Purdue’s Recent Struggles
The Boilermakers are reeling, having lost four straight. Their latest defeat came at Indiana last Sunday, 73-58. Purdue led by 12 at halftime but managed just 21 second-half points.
Purdue shot 43 percent from the field but allowed Indiana to hit 52 percent of their shots. They also lost the turnover battle 16-7.
Two games ago, the Boilermakers allowed Michigan State to shoot 58 percent and lost 75-66. Three games ago, they allowed Wisconsin to shoot 62 percent in a 94-84 loss.
Like UCLA, Purdue is 11-6 in Big Ten play. At 19-9 overall, the Boilermakers are still likely to make the NCAA tournament, but they’re trending in the wrong direction.
The last time these teams met was in 2000, with UCLA winning 87-82 at Mackey Arena.
By the Numbers
- UCLA: Shooting 47 percent from the field
- Purdue: Allowing opponents to shoot 45 percent
- Purdue: Shooting 49 percent from the field
- UCLA: Holding opponents to 42 percent shooting
Betting Trends
- UCLA is 4-2 ATS as an underdog this season.
Totals Report
- The Under is 18-10 in UCLA games this season (averaging 139 total points).
- The Over is 15-12 in Purdue games (averaging 148 total points).
