College Hoops Best Bet (1/24/25)

Author: Dylan Lieck | January 24, 2025 | 2:37 P.M. CST

Overall Record: 20-8

Best Bet: Purdue -4.5 vs. Michigan

Don’t have time for a long breakdown today, so will give quick take here. Purdue is coming off an upset loss at home. The Boilermakers RARELY lose at home, as Mackey Arena is one of the best home court advantages in CBB. The loss came at the hands of a very bad Ohio State team, and it was a game Purdue never should have lost. Usually, coming off a loss, going on the road to a tough opponent would be one spot to be careful, but not playing at home. There’s almost zero shot Purdue loses back-to-back home games at Mackey arena, in conference play. It just does not happen.

Additionally, Michigan is a very streaky team. They started off the season hot, before having a mid-season lull. They responded with a great start to conference play, starting a perfect 5-0, before dropping one to Minnesota on the road in overtime in their last outing (Minnesota came into that game 0-6 in the Big 10). Michigan lost that game at the buzzer on basically a half court shot. The Wolverines had to sit on that tough loss for over a week, as that was last Thursday. Now they go on the road once again, taking on a more talented, well-coached Purdue team, out for blood after that last loss. I love Dusty Maye, and he’s going to turn Michigan into a National Championship level program, but just not this year.

I’m not sure why this number is so short to be honest. I made this Purdue -6.5. Give me the Boilers at home to bounce back and take care of the Wolverines. I would THINK this gets to 5, based on my numbers, but I’ve not seen any indication of a move that way to this point. The game starts in about 4 and a half hours. Either way let’s lay the 4.5 with Purdue here.

Official Pick: Purdue -4.5

Play Rating: 2-Star