The stage is set for an exciting battle as Purdue takes on Marquette. The odds show Purdue as a 4.5-point road dog with a -112 spread, while Marquette is favored with a -4.5 spread at -108. In terms of moneyline, Purdue is +158 and Marquette is -192. The total points line is set at 153.5, with -110 odds for both the over and under. These odds via FanDuel Sportsbook add an extra layer of excitement to the game.
As the teams prepare to battle it out, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how this matchup will unfold. Will Purdue's recent victory over Alabama be a sign of their championship potential, or will Marquette's strong start continue? The odds suggest that Marquette has the edge, but Purdue is not to be underestimated.
Purdue, which has a 2-2 record against the spread (ATS), enters this game as a significant underdog against Marquette (3-1 ATS) at Fiserv Forum. While their win over Alabama proved they can succeed without a dominant big man like Zach Edey, who won back-to-back Wooden Awards, their performance in their first three non-conference games was unconvincing.
Narrowly defeating Yale and only pulling away from Texas A&M Corpus-Christi in the final six minutes shows that Purdue still has some work to do. Additionally, they are without 7-foot-4 center Daniel Jacobsen, who suffered a season-ending injury against Northern Kentucky. This means they will have to rely on smaller lineups or backup center Will Berg, who struggles with quick play.
Marquette, on the other hand, has more scoring weapons and a solid defense. They beat Maryland in a non-conference tilt earlier this season, posting 78 points on 45% shooting while committing just eight turnovers. Their five returners - Kam Jones, David Joplin, Stevie Mitchell, Ben Gold, and Chase Ross - have been crucial over the past two seasons and will continue to play a significant role in their 2024-25 campaign.
I don't believe Purdue's win over Alabama tells the whole story of what to expect from them this season. Their lackluster performance in non-conference games and the absence of their key center give Marquette an advantage.
Marquette has a more balanced team with better scoring options and a solid defense. They can get out in transition and take advantage of Purdue's lack of rim protection. While Marquette hasn't shot the ball well from deep thus far, they have the potential to heat up and make Purdue pay.
Based on these factors, my best bet is on Marquette -4.5 (-108, FanDuel). Marquette has the edge in this matchup and is likely to come out on top.
Andrew Norton is a trusted handicapper who covers the NBA, WNBA, NFL, college basketball and football, UFC, and golf. During the 2022-23 NBA season, he achieved an outstanding 14.1% ROI, cashing 60% of his NBA spread picks and leading Tallysight in its SportsIQ metric. His expertise and track record make him a reliable source for betting insights.