Purdue vs Tennessee
My first college hoops bet of the year is going to be taking place at the Maui Invitational, in the semifinals, where the Volunteers and Boilermakers square off.
Reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey has picked up where he’s left off as he’s averaging 21.8 points, 11 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game thus far.
Tennessee is missing freshman Freddie Dilione V and potentially big man Tobe Awaka. If Awaka is unable to go, that is a big advantage for Edey and Purdue.
The Boilermakers have numerous other advantages as well, which includes their offensive dominance. Purdue ranks 13th in effective field goal percentage (59.2%) and are shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc.
Rick Barnes’ defense is solid yet again (1st in adjusted defensive efficiency), however, it’s their offense may struggle this evening. The Volunteers are 110th in EFG% (52.3%) and are shooting just 50% from inside the perimeter, which ranks them 177th. And the Boilermakers come into this spot ranking 4th in adjusted defensive efficiency and 14th in effective field goal defensive percentage, according to barttorvik.com.
Another sizable difference between these squads comes at the charity stripe. Purdue is doing very well at limiting their opponents' opportunities from the free throw line - 12.5 per game. Conversely, Tennessee is allowing opponents to attempt 28.8 free throws per contest.
The Volunteers defense may do enough to keep this thing close, but, in the end, Matt Painter’s crew should come out on top.
Play: Purdue ML (-160); risk 1.60 units to win 1.00
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