Purdue vs Rutgers Prediction 1/9/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Purdue vs Rutgers prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 9th at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview

The Purdue Boilermakers are 11-4 (3-1) this year after they defeated Northwestern by a score of 79-61 in their last game. Purdue led 41-18 at halftime, but they were outscored 43-38 in the second half in the win. The Boilermakers shot 50.9% from the field, 40% on three-pointers, and 83.3% on free throws in the game. Braden Smith led Purdue with 22 points and seven assists, while CJ Cox added 12 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that victory, the Boilermakers defeated Minnesota by a score of 81-61 and Toledo by a score of 83-64. Purdue has won four of their last six games and they started conference play with a loss to Penn State and a win over Maryland. Purdue has scored 77.4 points per game and they have allowed 69.8 points per game, while also averaging 33.3 rebounds and 17.3 assists per game this season. Trey Kaufman-Renn is averaging 17.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while Braden Smith is averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game this year. Purdue will meet Nebraska and Washington after this game.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 8-7 (1-3) this season after they lost to Wisconsin by a score of 75-63 in their last game. Rutgers trailed 43-34 at halftime and only scored 29 points in the second half in the loss. The Scarlet Knights shot 34.2% from the field, 26.9% on three-pointers, and 46.2% on free throws in the game. Tyson Acuff led Rutgers with 17 points and two assists, while Ace Bailey added nine points and seven rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Scarlet Knights lost to Indiana by a score of 84-74 but did beat Columbia by a score of 91-64 before that. Rutgers has split their last six games and opened Big Ten play with a loss to Ohio State and a win over Penn State. Rutgers has scored 78.2 points per game and they have allowed 75.0 points per game, while also averaging 36.9 rebounds and 13.6 assists per game this season. Dylan Harper is averaging 21.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, while Ace Bailey is averaging 19.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. Rutgers is shooting 45.2% from the field, 69.7% on free throws, and 32.7% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Purdue will beat Rutgers

• Purdue has won 11 of its last 12 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Rutgers has lost seven of its last eight games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Purdue has won the first half in 15 of its last 18 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Purdue vs Rutgers Prediction 

Rutgers comes into this matchup trying to snap a two-game losing streak and they will be at home for this contest. The Scarlet Knights only scored 63 points in their home loss to Wisconsin in their last game and will face a tough Purdue defense here. The Boilermakers have allowed 61, 61, and 64 points in their last three games and three of their four losses this year have been to ranked teams. Purdue is shooting nearly 49% from the field and they have won their last three games by margins of 18, 20, and 19 points. Rutgers has had plenty of issues on defense, so it is very important they score 75+ points per game. The Scarlet Knights do have plenty of young talent that are capable of having big nights, but they are going to really struggle to stay consistent. Take Purdue on the road.