Big Ten Conference Odds: Spartans, Illini Headline Friday’s Games

It’s another solid weekend of Big Ten Conference basketball action, with several solid games. Sunday’s schedule is the best, which gives bettors a chance to zero in on a couple of college basketball picks without the sheer volume of games on Saturday.

Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 – NCAAB Matchups to Watch

The Big Ten Conference odds show the Boilermakers favored by 15 and the total on the game is 131. Purdue is deserving to be such a lofty favorite and this one could get ugly.

The Boilermakers do have a tough Michigan State team on deck Monday, so Nebraska needs to hope Purdue is looking ahead a little bit.

Purdue is No. 2 in adjusted offensive efficiency, while Nebraska is No. 179. Nebraska is better defensively, ranking No. 48 but Purdue is No. 27. Three of Nebraska’s four college basketball conference losses have been by 15 points or more, so one would have to think Purdue is the right side here.

Illinois is favored by 5 and the total on the game is 136.5 in a game where Illinois gets small edges offensively and defensively. Both NCAAB teams are in the top 60 in adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency.

The Spartans can shoot the 3-pointer well, which is the weak spot defensively for Illinois. The Illini are better from the inside and take advantage of MSU’s 2-point defense, which isn’t as good as it’s perimeter defense. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one sneak over the total.

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 – Top College Basketball Game This Weekend

The Big Ten Conference odds will have the Hoosiers close to a 5-point favorite in one of the better college basketball matchups of the day. Indiana gets a big edge offensively, while Wisconsin is a bit better on defense.

The Badgers will probably live or die with the 3-pointer in this one. The Badgers don’t shoot the 2-pointer very well, ranking No. 276 in the country in 2-point field goal percentage. But Wisconsin is No. 43 shooting 3-pointers and Indiana is No. 250 against the 3-pointer.

The Hoosiers shoot the ball well and Wisconsin is nothing special on defense. If the total is 137.5 or less, the over deserves a look with both teams being able to take advantage of defensive weaknesses. Will they make it to the this 2023 March Madness?

Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 – NCAA Matchups This Sunday

The start of a solid Big Ten Conference basketball triple-header, the Wolverines will be favored by about 3.5 points with a total close to 132.5. Michigan is better on the offensive end, while Northwestern is a better defensive team.

The Wildcats rank No. 334 in effective field goal percentage and are No. 341 in 2-point field goal percentage. The Wildcats are No. 1 in 2-point field goal defense, which could make it rough on a Michigan team that scores more than 51% of its points from 2-point range. If the total is 132 or higher, the under deserves a look. Be sure to check the rest of the NCAAB updated scores of every matchup.

The Big Ten Conference odds will have Rutgers slight favorites at home in this one, which looks to be the best of the three college basketball matchups.

Ohio State is No. 1 in adjusted offensive efficiency. Rutgers is No. 3 in adjusted defensive efficiency, so expect a total in the ballpark of 135. The Buckeyes aren’t a bad defensive team, while Rutgers struggles to score at times.

The Scarlet Knights have to have some success from the inside if they’re going to come away with the win become the leader on the NCAAB standings.

The Big Ten Conference odds will have Iowa close to a 3-point favorite with a total near 148.5. Iowa is better offensively and looks to push the pace a bit, while Maryland is better defensively and plays fairly close to average in terms of pace.

Maryland shoots the ball just as well as Iowa but the Hawkeyes get more opportunities due to their style. If the Terrapins can hit their shots from the inside they have a solid shot at taking the win.

The Hawkeyes could have an edge on the offensive boards but if Iowa is -3 or more, Maryland deserves a look in this one. Last but not least, don’t forget to check the college basketball injury report for this week.

For NCAAB betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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