Dave's College Basketball Picks, Jan. 27: Purdue at Wisconsin

Purdue seems to have it figured out and are back in the Big Ten race after losing their first two conference games.  Even Bobby Knight was singing praises about the Boilermakers during the ESPN broadcast of their win at Minnesota last Thursday.  The Purdue defense has been nasty. The Boilermakers allow opponents just 35.6 percent shooting from the floor, best in the Big Ten.

Wisconsin lost just two Big Ten games last year, both to Purdue. Purdue also defeated the Badgers earlier this year 65-52 in Mackey Arena to make it a three-game streak.

We mentioned prior to the Minnesota victory at Wisconsin earlier this month that the Kohl Center has lost some of its scare power. In order to avoid another home loss, Joe Krabbenhoft will need some assistance. Krabbenhoft grabbed 12 boards to go with 16 points in the Badgers lost to Illinois. He is sure to command the attention of the Boilermakers' stifling defense.

ATS

Purdue is 8-8 ATS, including 2-2 on the road.

Purdue is 8-2 ATS against Wisconsin in their last 10 matchups.

Wisconsin is 7-9-1 ATS, including 3-3-1 at home.

I don’t think Wisconsin is as bad as their four-game losing streak would indicate, and they made improvements in protecting the ball against Illinois. Although Wisconsin’s two home losses have come to ranked teams, that is exactly what they are facing here. I just don’t see how the Badgers are going to be able to score consistently in this one.

On the other end, I don’t see Wisconsin being able to constantly stop Purdue’s Robbie Hummel and E’Twaun Moore. We are looking at another road dog victory in the Kohl Center.

Dave’s Pick: Purdue +1

See all of Dave's College Basketball Picks Against the Spread at cfbplace.com and soon at cbbplace.com