It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Indiana Hoosiers (9-7, 2-2 Big 10) welcome the Penn State Nittany Lions (12-5, 2-2 Big 10) to Assembly Hall. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.
Penn State is a 1.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 143 points.
Penn State Nittany Lions at Indiana Hoosiers Free Prediction
The last time the Nittany Lions played, they beat the Northwestern Wildcats, 78-63. The Nittany Lions had a great free throw rate of 0.273 (above their season average of 0.231) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.4 (above their season average of 33.2). Mike Watkins led the way for Penn State, contributing 18 points and 17 rebounds.
The Hoosiers beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers in their last matchup, 75-71. Indiana’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Hoosiers had more offensive rebounds (17 vs. eight), defensive rebounds (28 vs. 27) and total rebounds (45 vs. 35). Robert Johnson was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 10-for-21 shooting.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Indiana. Indiana ranks 168th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.8 percent), while the pesky defense of Penn State forces the 45th-most turnovers in the nation (22.5 percent).
Penn State holds records of 12-5 straight up (SU) and 7-5-1 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Nittany Lions have typically finished under the total (69.2 percent).
Meanwhile, Indiana owns records of 9-7 SU and 7-7-2 ATS. Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Hoosiers games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Watkins (12.8 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.8 blocks) has been fantastic for the Nittany Lions while Juwan Morgan (18.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Hoosiers.
After the Hoosiers won both contests against the Nittany Lions last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Indiana won 110-102. The Hoosiers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.7 vs. 14.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.282 vs. 0.212).
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Indiana Hoosiers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Penn State, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Penn State is 2-3-1 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 3 unders.
Indiana is 5-4-1 ATS at home with 6 overs and 4 unders.
Penn State ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (18.2) while Indiana ranks 160th (22.9).
The Nittany Lions rank 15th in steals per game (9.1) while the Hoosiers rank 124th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Penn State ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (10.9) while Indiana ranks 135th (13.7).
The Nittany Lions rank 10th in blocks per game (6.2) while the Hoosiers rank 86th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Penn State ranks 77th in rebounds per game (37.9) while Indiana ranks 99th in rebounds allowed per game (33.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Penn State is 1-2 ATS with 2 overs and 1 under.
Indiana is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Nittany Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.6, up from 13.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hoosiers have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
