This probably the best defense that Purdue has faced this season. While Northwestern does have a 7-footer in Matthew Nicholson, he'll have his hands full with Zach Edey. The Wildcats hold their opponents to 44.6 percent from the floor and will need every bit of it against this Boilermakers offense. Purdue's offense has been rolling shooting it effectively at 61 percent. However, Purdue feeds off the opposing team turning the ball over and making them pay, Northwestern doesn't turn the ball over. The Wildcats are 8th in the nation in turnovers at 9.5 per game. I'm on Northwestern.

Thank goodness for college hoops yesterday because the NBA was a bad break disaster. Can't say I love anything on today's soft schedule but just to play one, we'll do this one. Northwestern is 0-18 all-time vs. the No. 1 team in the country and has lost 11 straight games vs the Boilermakers, its longest current streak vs any opponent. NW has a good backcourt but no one to deal with 7-footer and National Player of the Year favorite. Zach Edey. Purdue (+12.0) is dominating the glass this season, leading the country in rebound margin by 2.8 rebounds per game. That should be even more enhanced today. You can wager Zach Edey total rebounds (averages 13.2) vs. total first-half Chiefs points at Caesars. Think I'd take the KC points at +110.

This line has come down with early action on Northwestern. But top-ranked Purdue showed versus Iowa that if you double-team Zach Edey, other Boilermakers will beat you. The Boilermakers have beaten Northwestern 11 straight times. While these Wildcats have surpassed expectations and are playing tremendous defense, I believe they'll struggle offensively Sunday. Back Purdue to pull away late and cover.