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Iowa (12-4) vs Purdue (15-1)
- When: Jan 14 2026, 6:30 PM
- Where: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Where to watch: BTN
Iowa vs (5) Purdue Preview & Prediction
Spread: Purdue -10.5
Moneyline: Purdue (-625)
Total: 143.0
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Breakdown
Purdue keeps rolling through the Big Ten like a machine that just learned a new trick. The Boilermakers are unbeaten in conference play, riding a long winning streak, and looking increasingly comfortable closing games on their own terms. At the center of it all is Braden Smith, who has reminded everyone that he can score whenever he feels like it, even while running the offense.
Smith has taken on a more aggressive scoring role lately, and it has added another layer to an already efficient Purdue attack. When defenses try to take away passing lanes, he makes them pay from the perimeter or off the bounce. When help arrives, the ball moves, and Purdue’s size takes over inside.
The Boilermakers are balanced, physical, and relentless on the glass. Trey Kaufman Renn controls the paint, Oscar Cluff wears defenders down with constant contact, and Fletcher Loyer stretches defenses just enough to keep lanes open. At home, Purdue rarely lets opponents hang around once the game settles into the second half.
From a betting perspective, Purdue’s ability to score efficiently while limiting second chances gives them a strong edge against teams that struggle defensively inside.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Breakdown
Iowa enters this matchup searching for answers after back to back conference losses. The Hawkeyes are still competitive, but the margin for error has shrunk, especially against elite opponents. When shots are not falling early, Iowa has struggled to generate easy offense and has relied too heavily on individual creation.
Bennett Stirtz remains the focal point, but opposing defenses have keyed in on him, forcing tougher looks and limiting clean ball movement. Iowa needs secondary scoring to show up early to prevent Purdue from loading up defensively and dictating tempo.
The Hawkeyes can score in spurts, but sustaining that offense against a disciplined and physical Purdue team on the road is a tall task. Defensive lapses and rebounding issues have also been costly, and those weaknesses tend to get exposed quickly in West Lafayette.
Prediction and Betting Outlook
This matchup favors Purdue in nearly every key area. The Boilermakers are deeper, more physical, and far more consistent on both ends of the floor. Iowa may compete early, but Purdue’s size and execution should take control as the game progresses.
With Purdue playing at home and Iowa struggling to maintain offensive balance, laying the points makes sense. The total sits at a manageable number, but Purdue’s defensive discipline and half-court control suggest a slightly slower finish.
Purdue handles business, covers the spread, and keeps its Big Ten run intact.
Final Score: Purdue 77, Iowa 64
Lean: Purdue -10.5
Total: Under 143.0
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
