Last Updated on March 13, 2010 11:08 pm by drew
Purdue Tourny Odds
Once thought to be a top candidate to win the 2010 NCAA Championship, Purdue is just trying to keep it all together now.
At no fault of its own, Purdue was dealt some bad luck late this season, losing one of its top players, Robbie Hummel to a knee injury. Still set to make their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance under coach Matt Painter, the Boilermakers are 27-5 this season and ranked No. 6 in the nation while finishing tied for the Big Ten regular season title at 14-4.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL have given Purdue 12/1 odds to win the NCAA Tournament.
Since the loss of Hummel, Purdue has lost two of its last five games, including a 69-42 loss to Minnesota in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Purdue won its first 14 games of the year before dropping three straight in the middle of the year. Purdue answered that with a 10-game winning streak before losing to Michigan State 53-44 to start the final five-game stretch. Purdue holds five wins over ranked opponents this season.
Purdue has been solid on both sides of the ball, having a scoring margin of +11.4 this season. The Boilermakers shoot 73.4 percent from the free throw line, which ranks second in the Big Ten. Blocked shots have been a specialty as Purdue averages 4.6 per-game while also picking up 6.9 steals per-contest. Purdue leads the Big Ten in turnover margin at +4.94.
With Hummel out, Purdue has relied on E’Twaun Moore. The guard averages 17 points, 2.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per-game. Moore shoots 46 percent from the field. JaJuan Johnson averages 15.1 points while shooting 51 percent. The center also pulls down 7.2 rebounds while adding 2 blocks per-game.
2010 March Madness Odds
Purdue 12/1
Posted: 3/13/10 11:09PM ET