Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Broadcast: CBS
The Purdue Boilermakers (8-2) are set to take on the Texas A&M Aggies (8-2) this Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
In their previous encounter, the Texas A&M Aggies achieved a hard-fought victory over Texas Tech, edging out a 72-67 scoreline. The Aggies were whistled for 13 fouls, while Texas Tech committed 16. From long range, Texas A&M made 12 of 31 attempts, showcasing their shooting from beyond the arc. Texas Tech converted 75.0% of their free throw attempts, hitting 9 out of 12. They secured 28 rebounds (6 on the offensive end and 22 defensively) but failed to register any blocks. The Red Raiders dished out 18 assists and recorded 6 steals. Defensively, Texas A&M allowed their opponent a shooting percentage of 45.1% (23 of 51). The Aggies also contributed 13 assists while forcing Texas Tech into 17 turnovers and collecting 9 steals. On the boards, Texas A&M grabbed 33 rebounds, with 14 coming from offensive efforts. At the free-throw line, they converted 13 of 18 attempts for a success rate of 72.2%, while finishing the game with a field goal percentage of 37.3% (25 of 67) and 9 out of 24 from three-point territory.
A standout performer for Texas A&M was Wade Taylor IV, who recorded 19 points on 6 of 17 shooting, contributing 4 assists and 3 rebounds in 33 minutes of play.
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The Aggies arrive with an overall record of 8-2 this season, averaging 75.1 points per game (ranking 202nd in NCAA Basketball). Their field goal percentage stands at 41.2%. The team has made 30.0% of their three-point shots (69 of 230) and 69.5% from the free throw line. Texas A&M averages 43.1 rebounds and has recorded 125 assists this year, positioning them at 253rd for assists in the nation. Their turnover average is 12.2 possessions lost per game, while collectively committing 17.9 fouls per outing.
On the defensive front, Texas A&M forces opponents into 14.0 turnovers per game while drawing 19.8 fouls. They restrict opponents to 29.3% shooting from beyond the arc and rank 44th in college basketball for points allowed per game (64.9). Defensively, Texas A&M holds opponents to a shooting percentage of 38.0% (218 of 573), and they allow an average of 33.9 rebounds per game, ranking them 229th for assists allowed with a total of 133 thus far this season.
In their latest match, the Purdue Boilermakers secured a victory against Maryland, finishing at 83-78. Purdue allowed Maryland to accumulate 32 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive glass. From beyond the arc, the Boilermakers knocked down 11 of their 26 attempts for a shooting percentage of 42.3%. They successfully made 7 out of 9 free throw attempts, yielding a percentage of 77.8%. Maryland converted 30 of 66 shots, achieving a shooting percentage of 45.5% for the contest, while Purdue finished strong with 32 of 66, translating to 48.5%. When it came to 3-pointers, Purdue successfully landed 9 of their 26 attempts (34.6%) and hit 10 of their allocated free throw attempts at 76.9%. Maryland ended the game committing 18 fouls, leading the Boilermakers to the line for 13 extra attempts while turning the ball over 8 times and recording 4 steals overall. Purdue secured a total of 32 rebounds, combining offensive and defensive efforts of 9 and 23 respectively.
Braden Smith was a pivotal player for Purdue with an impressive performance, shooting 9 of 15 for a field goal percentage of 60.0%, while contributing 4 rebounds. He tallied 24 points over 40 minutes on the floor alongside 10 assists.
Purdue also holds an 8-2 record this season. Their offensive execution is notable, with the Boilermakers shooting 49.8% from the floor, ranking them 23rd nationally. They have amassed 783 points this season, averaging 78.3 per game, alongside grabbing 34.0 rebounds per game. Purdue averages 17.3 assists per contest (37th highest in NCAA) and commits 12.0 turnovers each game while averaging 15.1 fouls and hitting 71.7% at the free-throw line.
Defensively, Purdue ranks 167th in points allowed at 70.4 per game. They record an average of 10.6 turnovers forced per game and allow opponents to shoot 42.7% from the floor (178th in the NCAA). The Boilermakers permit a 3-point shooting percentage of 30.7% (77 of 251) with opponents hitting 77.6% from the foul line. Purdue allows an average of 14.1 assists and 31.1 rebounds per game, ranking 261st and 39th, respectively, in NCAA Basketball.
Free Prediction: Bet on Purdue (-2.5)
