Scheduled Date: Thursday, January 2, 2025
Venue: Williams Arena, Minneapolis, MN
Broadcast: FS1
The Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-5) are gearing up to face off against the Purdue Boilermakers (9-4) at Williams Arena this Thursday.
In their most recent game, the Purdue Boilermakers clinched a victory against Toledo, ending with a final score of 83-64. Purdue recorded a field goal percentage of 49.2%, hitting 31 of their 63 attempts, and made 10 of 28 shots from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they converted 73.3%, sinking 11 of 15 attempts. The team battled hard on the boards, claiming 31 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive end. They also showcased excellent ball movement with 22 assists while forcing 13 turnovers and grabbing 9 steals from their opponents. Defensively, Purdue limited Toledo to a field goal percentage of 40.6%, as they allowed 26 successful baskets out of 64 attempts. Toledo registered 7 assists and 5 steals but struggled to dominate the glass, securing 40 total rebounds, which included 17 on the offensive end. Though effective at the line at 62.5%, converting 10 of 16 attempts, they had trouble from the three-point line, hitting only 2 of 14 tries. The Boilermakers recorded 15 personal fouls compared to 13 for Toledo.
Braden Smith was particularly impactful for Purdue, scoring 34 points on 12 of 22 shooting. He logged 39 minutes on the court and added 4 rebounds along with 12 assists, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability.
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This season, Purdue comes into this game with a 9-4 record and averages 12.0 turnovers per game, along with committing 15.0 personal fouls per outing. They maintain a rebounding average of 33.1 per game and have accumulated a total of 224 assists so far, placing them 37th nationally in assists per game. The Boilermakers are shooting 39.2% from the three-point range on 111 of 283 attempts and have a free-throw percentage of 71.9%. Offensively, they score an average of 77.0 points per game, ranking 156th in Division 1, while shooting 48.5% from the field.
On the defensive side, Purdue forces approximately 11.3 turnovers each game and draws 19.2 fouls. They allow opponents to shoot 31.3% from three-point range and rank 184th in the nation in points allowed per game at 71.2. Opponents are hitting 43.7% of their shots against the Boilermakers, who yield an average of 32.6 rebounds per game and rank 263rd in assists allowed, having surrendered 186 assists this season.
In their last outing, the Minnesota Golden Gophers earned a 90-68 win over Morgan State. In that game, they allowed Morgan State to gather a total of 31 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards. From beyond the arc, the Golden Gophers reached a shooting percentage of 36.4%, sinking 4 of 11 attempts, while being highly accurate at the charity stripe, hitting 16 of 19 for a stellar 84.2%. Morgan State shot 40.0% for the game, converting 24 of 60 attempts. Minnesota finished strong, going 31 of 60 from the field for a shooting percentage of 51.7%, including 13 of 29 from three-point territory (44.8%). They capitalized at the free-throw line with a 62.5% success rate, shooting 15 of 24 after Morgan State committed 15 fouls. The Golden Gophers lost possession 4 times, managed 5 steals, and secured a total of 33 rebounds, including 25 defensive and 8 offensive rebounds.
Mike Mitchell Jr. was a key player for the Golden Gophers, scoring 22 points in 24 minutes of play and adding 1 assist. His efficiency was evident as he shot 80.0%, making 8 of 10 attempts, and also snagged 5 rebounds.
Currently, Minnesota holds an 8-5 record for the season. Offensively, the Golden Gophers connect on 44.5% of their field goals, ranking 215th in the nation. They have accumulated a total of 883 points, averaging 67.9 points per game, supplemented by an average of 33.8 rebounds. They distribute assists at a rate of 15.9 per game, ranking 85th nationally, while averaging just 9.9 turnovers each game. Minnesota commits 15.6 fouls per game and has a free-throw shooting percentage of 64.9%.
Defensively, the Golden Gophers allow 32.9% shooting from three-point range and their opponents convert 72.6% from the free-throw line. They give up an average of 13.5 assists and 34.8 rebounds per game, placing them 217th and 203rd in the NCAA standings, respectively. They rank 33rd in points allowed per game with a strong defensive showing, giving up an average of 63.8 points. The Gophers force an average of 11.5 turnovers and let opponents shoot 42.0% from the floor, which ranks them 130th in Division 1.
Free Prediction: Bet on Minnesota (+5.5)
