Purdue vs Minnesota Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25

In this article, we will formulate a Purdue vs Minnesota prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 2nd at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview

The Purdue Boilermakers are 9-4 (1-1) this year after they defeated Toledo by a score of 83-64 in their last game. Purdue led 39-28 at halftime and added 44 points in the second half in the win. The Boilermakers shot 49.2% from the field, 35.7% on three-pointers, and 73.3% on free throws in the game. Braden Smith led Purdue with 34 points and 12 assists, while Trey Kaufman-Renn added 23 points and six rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Boilermakers lost to Auburn by a score of 87-69 and Texas A&M by a score of 70-66. Purdue has lost three of their last five games, but they do have a win over Maryland and a loss to Penn State in conference play. Purdue has scored 77.0 points per game and they have allowed 71.2 points per game, while also averaging 33.1 rebounds and 17.2 assists per game this season. Trey Kaufman-Renn is averaging 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while Braden Smith is averaging 14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game this year. Purdue is shooting 48.5% from the field, 71.9% on free throws, and 39.2% on three-pointers this year. Purdue will meet Northwestern after this game.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 8-5 (0-2) this season after they defeated Morgan State by a score of 90-68 in their last game. Minnesota led 55-37 at halftime and was able to cruise to the win in the second half. The Golden Gophers shot 51.7% from the field, 44.8% on three-pointers, and 62.5% on free throws in the game. Mike Mitchell Jr. led Minnesota with 22 points and five rebounds, while Dawson Garcia added 18 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that victory, the Golden Gophers defeated FDU by a score of 74-60 but did lose to Indiana by a score of 82-67 before that. Minnesota has lost four of their last seven games, including another Big Ten loss against Michigan State by a score of 90-72. Minnesota has scored 67.9 points per game and they have allowed 63.8 points per game, while also averaging 33.8 rebounds and 15.9 assists per game this season. Dawson Garcia is averaging 19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while Mike Michell Jr. is averaging 13.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this year. Minnesota is shooting 44.5% from the field, 64.9% on free throws, and 30.5% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Purdue will beat Minnesota

• Minnesota has lost each of its last 13 night games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Purdue has won nine of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Purdue has won the first half in six of its last seven games at Williams Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• Minnesota ranks T18th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (5.5).
• Minnesota ranks 28th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.9).
• Purdue ranks 39th among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (17.2).
• Purdue ranks 41st among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (56.3%).

Purdue vs Minnesota Prediction 

Purdue comes into this matchup after losing three of their last five games, but two losses were against ranked SEC teams and the other loss was on the road at Penn State. The Boilermakers are shooting over 48% from the field and really shouldn’t have an issue in this game. Minnesota has lost their first two conference games by margins of 18 and 15 points, and they are shooting just 44.5% from the field. The Golden Gophers have been brutal offensively this season and while their defensive numbers have been decent, they still allowed 82 to Indiana and 90 to Michigan State. Take Purdue to cover on the road.