NCAAB Odds, Pick for Minnesota vs Purdue

It's safe to say that the Purdue Boilermakers are on the right track; they come into this matchup ranked second in the nation and carry an eight-game winning streak. Now they get to play host to a Big Ten foe in the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

To its credit, Minnesota has held its own, as it comes into this game with a 15-8 record on the season, partly comprised of a .500 record in conference play. However, this will be the Gophers' first matchup against a team ranked inside the top 10.

So, will the Golden Gophers rise to the occasion? Or will the Boilermakers keep the train rolling in conference play?

Here's NCAAB odds and a pick for Minnesota vs. Purdue.

These two teams are similar in terms of their tendencies on the offensive end.

For Minnesota, it plays through its big man Dawson Garcia, who leads the team in points and rebounds. Again, much like their opposition, the Gophers will keep the ball in constant motion in order to create high percentage looks.

However, the issue with their similarities to Purdue is that the Boilermakers are well-equipped to stifle them offensively. Starting in the paint, Minnesota gets nearly 35% of its offense from that area, but the size of Zach Edey has made the paint off-limits for opponents this season.

Also, while the Gophers aren't particularly efficient from 3-point range, over a third of their points come from downtown. They'll likely be forced to spread the floor against Purdue.

The Boilermakers have had the answer for 3-point shooters, though, as they rank 43rd in 3-point shooting percentage allowed.

All in all, the outlook for Minnesota on the offensive end is bleak.

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On the other end of the court, it's easy to point to Edey. The most imposing force in the country has made a strong case for back-to-back Player of the Year awards, as he comes in averaging 23.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game while shooting 62%.

However, what makes this Purdue team a real threat is the talent of the supporting cast. We've seen each member of the backcourt — comprised of Lance Jones, Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer — step up this season.

The backcourt has given the offense an extra layer, as it's very proficient from beyond the arc. Purdue holds the fifth-highest 3-point percentage in the country and will move the rock constantly, as it's seventh in assist:field goals made ratio.

While Edey will undoubtedly get his in this matchup, we should see the perimeter shooting be a big part of the Boilermakers' offense, especially because the Golden Gophers are 194th in 3-point percentage allowed.

As I alluded to throughout this guide, these teams are similar offensively, and typically, styles make matchups.

However, with the main contrast between the two clubs being the talent level that's there to execute the game plans, we could see a stalemate.

That doesn't imply that Purdue will struggle offensively in this matchup, but it should be stout defensively, and the tempo won't be very fast. Purdue ranks 197th in average offensive possession length, and Minnesota is behind them, ranking 246th.

All signs point to this game going under the total.

Pick: Under 147 (Play to 145.5)