Purdue vs Nebraska Prediction 3/13/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Purdue vs Nebraska Prediction for this Big Ten Quarterfinal on Friday, March 13th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have a 26-5 overall record and a 15-5 record in the Big Ten conference. They are coming off an 84-75 win against Iowa and their previous three games were a 72-52 road loss against UCLA, an 82-67 road win against USC and a 74-61 win against Maryland.

Offensively, Nebraska averages 77.9 points per game, while allowing 66 points per game defensively. The Cornhuskers shoot with 47% from the field and grab 35.1 rebounds per game, while dishing out 18.1 assists per game. They average 2.6 blocks per game and 7.4 steals per game defensively.

Pryce Sandfort leads Nebraska in scoring, with an average of 17.9 points per game, while shooting with 47.3% from the field and 85.3% from the free throw line. Rienk Mast is the team’s leading rebounder with 5.9 per game. Sam Hoiberg leads the team in assists with 4.4 per game.

Purdue Boilermakers Preview

The Purdue Boilermakers have a 24-8 overall record and a 13-7 record in the Big Ten conference. They are coming off an 81-68 win against Northwestern and their previous three games were a 97-93 loss against Wisconsin, a 70-66 road win against Northwestern and a 93-64 win against Indiana.

Offensively, Purdue averages 82.3 points per game, while allowing 70.6 points per game defensively. The Boilermakers shoot with 50% from the field and grab 35.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 19.7 assists per game. They average 2.7 blocks per game and 5.6 steals per game defensively.

Braden Smith leads Purdue in scoring, with an average of 14.9 points per game, while shooting with 46.2% from the field and 82.3% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 8.7 assists. Trey Kaufman-Renn is the team’s leading rebounder with 8.7 per game.

Purdue Boilermakers @ Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Trends: March 13, 2026

Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers will win

• Nebraska has won each of its last nine games played at neutral venues.
• Purdue has lost three of its last four games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Nebraska has won the first half in four of its last five Conference Tournament games.

Why the Purdue Boilermakers will win

• Purdue has won each of its last four games at United Center.
• Nebraska has lost six of its last seven Conference Tournament games.
• Purdue has won the first half in each of its last seven games played at neutral venues.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Nebraska’s last eight games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 143+ points.
• Each of Purdue’s last five games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 148+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Nebraska ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (14.5).
• Nebraska ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (1.85).
• Purdue ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (2.16).
• Purdue ranks T2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (28.5).

Purdue vs Nebraska Prediction

In this Purdue vs Nebraska Prediction, Purdue is coming as -3.5 favorites. Nebraska has a better overall record and a better ATS record, with 17-14, compared to Purdue’s 13-19, so perhaps the wrong team is favored in this spot. Purdue has lost three of its last five games, while Nebraska is 4-1 in its last 5 and lost by just three points in their regular season meeting against Purdue in overtime. They also have the rest advantage and the 14th-best defense in the country so I like them as underdogs in this spot. Take Nebraska and get the +3.5 points in this one.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Nebraska +3.5