Ohio State vs Purdue: Big Ten Championship Predictions
Written March 15, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz
The Ohio State Buckeyes are on my list of the least talked about teams in the country. This is a team that could turn some heads in the NCAA tourney next week. A sweet 16 appearance by OSU would not shock me the slightest. Evan Turner, the soon to be Big Ten Player Of The Year leads this team. He is a fantastic player who leads his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals. Turner’s stats this year are 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game. He is a match up problem for every team and any player as he is an above average mid range shooter and a phenomenal slasher. A quiet contributor all year long for Ohio State has been Jon Diebler. He is a three point specialist and also a vocal leader for this team. Two other players of note are big man BJ Mullens who has really picked up his game of late and William Buford who has been a surprise contributor with 11 points per game. Ohio State has collected some real nice wins this year @ Miami, @ Notre Dame, vs Butler, they beat Michigan twice and split the season series with today’s opponent Purdue. An interesting aspect of this game will be how Thad Matta goes about stopping Purdue’s biggest scoring threat E’Twaun Moore. Ohio state does not have a great option to stick on Moore, I think Buford could do the job, we’ll see how that plays out. The Buckeyes average 67 PPG and shoot an impressive 48.5% from the field as a team. Will the Buckeyes come out today on a mission to claim Big Ten supremacy, or will they be satisfied as is with a tournament bid. I don’t know about you, but I just might be catching the upset bug. The betting odds for the game currently show Purdue as 6 point favorites over Ohio State.
Purdue has played two Big Ten Tournament games so far. They defeated Penn State 79-65 and dismantled Illinois 66-56 in a game that the score shows nothing like the game really was. E’Twaun Moore is their scoring machine. He averages 14 PPG and can catch fire at any time. Their may not be a better vocal leader in the country as sophomore Robbie Hummel. Chris Kramer is playing his best ball of the year and Lewis Jackson is one of many wonderful defenders Purdue has. The Boilermakers average 70 PPG and only give up 59 against. That is a jaw-dropping statistic. The way Purdue has been playing you’d have to think they are primed for a Big Ten title. Hold the phone, Purdue’s best on ball defender is Chris Kramer, he is far to small and not strong enough to guard Evan Turner. In result, no matter who is matched up against Turner he will get double teamed. Leaving my x-factor for this game, Jon Diebler wide open from outside. If Purdue is unable to keep the Buckeyes out of the paint this will be a disappointing day for them. I am surprised how many people are not giving Ohio State a chance today. I sure am
Haimo’s Hot Notes: The two teams split their meeting this year as each took care of business on their home court. I find these two teams very evenly matched. two very good coaches and both teams have vocal leaders on their team. This will be the most intense and physical championship game of the day. If the Buckeyes shoot well from outside they have an excellent chance of winning. Something that Ohio State will have to do is prevent Purdue from getting second chances. With Mullens playing the best he has all year I think they’ll be able to keep Purdue off the offensive glass. Here are some trends to chew on, Ohio State is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games and when these two teams meet, The Buckeyes are 12-4-1 in their last 17 games against Purdue. Last time I checked 60% of the betting public has taken Purdue, well this game does indeed take claim as my BEST BET of the day, that bet is the Ohio State Buckeyes. Evan Turner will over-whelm Purdue, they’ll start double teaming him and that will leave wide open outside shots for Diebler, Buford and crew. BJ Mullens will be key as he will solidify the defensive paint for his team. Six points is to much to give in this game. While I believe Ohio State will win SU, take the points and play it safe here. This will be one physically draining game.
Purdue is 13-15 ATS this year
Ohio State is 16-11 ATS this year
Betting Line: Purdue -6
Jordan’s Pick: Take Ohio State +6 (BEST BET OF THE DAY)
Record To Date:
7-7 Overall
4-1 Best Bet Record
Betfirms has even more college basketball picks to help you with your NCAA basketball betting this season. You should also check out our college basketball lines feed to compare odds from several top online sportsbooks.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- College Football Odds: Ohio State vs Purdue
- 2009-10 Ohio State Basketball Predictions
- Siena vs Ohio State: NCAA Tournament Preview & Betting Odds
- Ohio State at Purdue Football Picks
- Purdue Boilermakers Odds to Win NCAA Championship
2 Responses to “Ohio State vs Purdue: Big Ten Championship Predictions”
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man…
you act like evan turner is god. yes. Don’t get me wrong, he is good. if Purdue shuts down Evan Turner, they are going force Ohio state to take long shots. Anything Ohio State can hit, Purdue can match it. But one man is not going to win this game. This is a team sport. From this prediction, you forgot to mention that Ohio State has more than one guy to worry about today. Thats what makes Purdue the team they are. There is not just one person who can score. They all can put up the points and they all can play defense.
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man,
I appreciate your comment on my article. As you saw almost everything I predicted panned out. I did state clearly that their is more then one player that contributes for Ohio State then Turner. Pointing out Diebler’s three point shooting and BJ Mullens inside. Purdue was lucky to win this game. Turner had 22 points 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The difference maker for Purdue was E’Twuan Moore. I think my article was right on point. I hoped you cashed in on my 2-0 day today. I value your opinion and do not hesitate to reply to my work.
Jordan
(Betfirms)
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