- Michigan bounced back with an 80-76 win over Northwestern on Sunday.
- Purdue dropped to 15-5, following their 73-70 upset defeat to Ohio State.
- These two teams last met on February 25, in a game that Purdue won 84-76.
The college basketball season is heating up as March quickly approaches! In our Michigan vs Purdue pick, a rebuilt Michigan faces an uphill battle against a perennial contender in the Boilermakers.
Michigan is Back in Contention
After missing the NCAA Tournament in each of the past two seasons, Michigan is back in the top-25 and well on the way to returning to The Big Dance. They hold a 6-1 record in Big-10 play, but haven’t earned any wins against currently ranked teams aside from their victory over Wisconsin. This game is crucial.
Michigan’s offense has been excellent. In their last seven games, of which they are 6-1, the Wolverines are averaging over 90 points per game. They haven’t scored less than 80 since their December 3 ranked win over Wisconsin. Michigan will face a unique offensive test against Purdue’s capable defense.
Purdue Clashes Atop the Big-10
Purdue took their 2nd loss of conference play in an upset defeat to 11-8 Ohio State. It was a game the Boilermakers should have won but failed to reach their potential. The loss dropped them to third place in the Big-10. Purdue’s offense has not looked great lately, even in their win at Oregon over the weekend.
Top scorer Trey Kaufman-Renn averaged 24.5 ppg in those last two matchups. Meanwhile, the rest of Purdue’s roster averaged just 43 ppg. If other teams continue to double up Kaufman-Renn, it could expose the Boilermakers’ offensive game plan. They need to find a way to penetrate without Zach Edey.
Michigan Wolverines vs Purdue Boilermakers Pick
I’m not sure Purdue has it in them to be upset in two home games in a row. That being said, their flailing offense draws a uniquely poor matchup against Michigan. The Wolverines have been absolutely humming on offense, though they also haven’t faced the toughest competition. Ultimately, they should still have enough juice to storm past Purdue.
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