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Two of the premier programs in the Big Ten Conference will hit the hardwood on Thursday evening in our college basketball game of the day when Purdue takes on Michigan. This marks the first time and only time the two teams will play during the regular season though the conference tournament may provide an encore.

The Boilermakers are a conference road favorite (-5), while the total is currently expected to be roughly 139 points. The game is scheduled for a 9:00 PM EST tip-off for the Crisler Center and will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1. This rivalry is one of the closest in Big Ten history, as Purdue leads the all-time series by just three with a 66-63 count. However, the Wolverines have defeated the Boilermakers in six of the last seven meetings, including last season when Purdue was ranked #3 in the nation. Let’s take a look at the game preview for your College Basketball Betting.

Boilermakers are steaming ahead

Matt Painter’s club has experienced just a single loss on the season, and at the time, a loss to Rutgers on his home floor was somewhat shocking. However, the Scarlet Knights have once again proven what a great coach Steve Pikiell is at 13-6 overall. Since derailing against Rutgers, Purdue is steaming ahead once again, having won six consecutive games.

The Boilermakers are not just winning either, they are covering. Painter’s group has been one of the worst teams in the Big Ten this season at covering the number with a record of just 8-11-1 on the season. They have recently, but they have turned it around, covering the number in four of their last six contests. Good teams win, great teams cover. Purdue has a losing record against the spread on the road this season at just 2-3, but they do boast a nice margin of victory number of +7.6 points per contest.

Michigan needs consistency along with a resume’ boost

The Wolverines have been a model of mediocrity against the number this season, which from a wagering standpoint, means they are inconsistent. Unfortunately for Juwan Howard, they have been consistent as of late, just in the wrong direction. Michigan is just 5-5 against the spread at home on the season and as of late, they cannot cover a spread, as they have done so in just one of their last five contests.

Despite having one of the most dominant big men in college basketball in Hunter Dickinson, the Wolverines have struggled to an 11-8 overall record but are currently tied for second in the conference standings with Rutgers at 5-3. Howard’s group has some nice victories on the season, having defeated Penn State, Northwestern, and Maryland. However, their victory over Pittsburgh looks less impressive by the day, and their loss to Central Michigan is downright bizarre. A victory here over the number one team in the nation would be a real feather in the wolverines cap when Selection Sunday rolls around.

The Pick

While this Michigan team is incredibly easy to root for, Purdue is playing well and covering lately, while Michigan is not. Dickinson will need his supporting cast to really step up, but it’s doubtful they can outperform the Boilermakers’ perimeter stars. Boilermakers cover on the road.