Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Purdue Boilermakers 12/4/23

Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (7-1)

The Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Purdue Boilermakers on Monday night in a Big Ten Conference clash. This will be a tough road test for Iowa as they take on one of the best teams in college basketball. Grab the latest information on this free NCAAB picks match-up set to tip off at 7:00 PM ET inside Mackey Arena. Iowa is led by forward Ben Krikke, but Purdue boasts dominant big man Zach Edey who will look to control the paint.

Iowa comes into this game with a respectable 90.7 points per game and solid 39.6 rebounds per game. However, their defense allows quite a few points at 72 per game given up. Their efficient three point and free throw shooting has powered the offense so far. Iowa moves the ball well too with 18.7 assists per contest.

For Purdue, their 84.6 points per game and 42.8 rebounds show the impact Zach Edey has on both ends of the court. Defensively, the Boilermakers lock down opponents, giving up just 63.4 points, buoyed by Edey’s 2.9 blocks per game. Their three point shooting and assists also indicate a high-powered offense. Turnovers have been an issue at times.

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Purdue Boilermakers Game Info

When:	Monday, December 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET
Where:	Mackey Arena
TV:	BTN
Stream:	Sofascore

Ben Krikke (Forward) vs. Zach Edey (Center)

Krikke has taken a big step forward in his sophomore season after showing flashes as a freshman last year. The 6’7″ forward has nearly doubled his scoring average to 18.7 PPG while remaining efficient from the field at 61.4%. He has displayed the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, knocking down half his of three-point attempts. However, at just 210 pounds, handling the 290-pound Edey in the post on both ends of the court presents a monumental challenge.

On the other side, Edey has been simply dominant in almost every contest this year. His rare blend of size and skill is a mismatch for virtually any college frontcourt. Edey scores with great touch and footwork around the rim while inhaling rebounds at an astronomical rate. He also serves as an imposing deterrent at the rim with nearly 3 blocks per game. While not the fleetest of foot, Edey is able to effectively maneuver his way around slower post defenders. Krikke will have his hands full attempting to keep the Purdue star in check.

This will be a classic battle between finesse and power. Krikke possesses polished offensive skills but the sheer size advantage Edey holds makes him an unsolveable puzzle for the Iowa forward. Neutralizing Edey on the glass and preventing easy buckets around the rim has to be the main focus for Krikke. For Edey, keeping Krikke off the three-point line and contesting jump shots with his length could lead him to a dominant performance.

NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Purdue Boilermakers -1000, Total Odds: 164.5

The oddsmakers have installed Purdue as 12.5-point favorites playing at home. This large spread can mainly be attributed to the Boilermakers’ staunch defense and Zach Edey’s interior dominance. The total is set at 164.5 points in what is expected to be a competitive game between Big Ten foes. Those looking to get some action down should target this number.

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Trends

Iowa has struggled against the spread recently, going 3-7 ATS over their last 10 contests. This trend of failing to cover lofty spreads could continue against one of the best teams they will face all season. The Hawkeyes offense has performed well, leading 9 of their last 12 games to eclipse the total. Iowa has also found success straight up, winning 5 of their previous 7 matchups. However, history is not on their side against Purdue, having gone 3-6 ATS and 2-7 SU over the past 9 head-to-head meetings. The Hawkeyes are also just 2-6 SU over their previous 8 road games.

Purdue Boilermakers Betting Trends

Purdue’s offense has hummed along nicely, playing over the total in 6 of their last 7 outings. The Boilermakers have also excelled straight up with 7 wins in their last 8 games overall. At home, Matt Painter’s squad has been virtually unbeatable, riding a 5-game SU winning streak in West Lafayette. Against Iowa specifically, Purdue has owned the Hawkeyes by winning the last 5 home contests in the series. Against Big Ten foes, however, Purdue has struggled to cover spreads, going 1-6 ATS over the past 7 conference games. The Boilermakers are also on a 9-game ATS losing skid in December tilts.

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Purdue Boilermakers 12/4/23 Betting Picks

Our analysis shows definitive advantages for Purdue given their staunch defense anchored by Zach Edey, efficient offense, and home court advantage. Iowa has not shown an ability to step up in class and win tough road games. Back Purdue’s spread at -12.5 by targeting one of the top online betting platforms.

Look for the Boilermakers to seize control early through feeding Edey and playing lockdown defense. If Iowa attempts to match baskets, we expect them to ultimately fall short. Our prediction has Purdue winning 89-72 to cover the 12.5-point spread.