Pick on the total for Rutgers-Purdue on January 2

Big Ten conference play heats up on Monday when the Purdue Boilermakers play host to the Rutgers Scarlett Knights.

Rutgers Scarlett Knights vs. Purdue Boilermakers (-8, 131.5)

It will be a battle of strength on strength, as Purdue ranks fourth in the nation in points scored on a per-possession basis — thanks to Wooden Award front runner Zach Edey — while Rutgers is third in the country in points allowed on a per-possession basis thanks to a stable of guards with active hands.

Edey’s 21.9 points per game rank eighth among qualifying Division I players while his 13.6 rebounds per game rank second among all players.

The dominance of Edey in the post is a big reason why Purdue is allowing opponents to rebound just 18.6% of their missed shots, which ranks fourth among Division I teams. Purdue has done this while not fouling, as the team also is allowing the second-fewest free throws per field goal attempt of any team in the country.

Rutgers is generating a steal on 14.4% of their possessions on defense, which ranks sixth among Division I teams. Cam Spencer is averaging 2.7 steals per game by himself, which is ninth among qualifying players.

Made 3-pointers figure to be at a premium on Monday, as Rutgers is third in the country in opponent 3-point shooting percentage at 24.7% while Purdue is 17th in this category, with their opponents shooting 27.7% from 3-point range so far.

With both teams entering ranked 300th or worse in 3-point shooting percentage, Monday’s conference clash sets up to be a low-scoring affair.

The Play: Rutgers vs. Purdue Under 131.5

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