Published Feb 16, 7:13pm ET by
Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 16, 7:13pm ET
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Updated Feb 16, 7:52pm ET
Michigan and Purdue meet this week in a key top-10 clash. After rising to the #1 spot, Michigan will be looking to further state their claim as the top squad in upcoming games against Purdue and Duke.
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| Purdue Boilermakers | -110 |
| Michigan Wolverines | -100 |
The Wolverines are the final power conference team with one loss or fewer, receiving 60 of 61 votes for the top spot in the AP Poll. Wins over #9 Nebraska, #11 Gonzaga, and #15 Michigan State headline their résumé. While Michigan has only played the 15th toughest schedule in the country, they rank far and away as the top team in metrics such as the NET and KenPom. They'll be putting that to the test against Purdue and Duke.
Purdue seems to have put their 3-game losing streak behind them, winning four games in a row since. They had an impressive week on the road most recently, toppling a projected 9-seed in Iowa and a top-10 opponent in Nebraska. Now returning to their home court, the Boilermakers face their toughest test of the season thus far against Michigan. Their recent success was due in large part to an improved defense, which will be key.
Michigan and Purdue face off in a key matchup on Tuesday. The Wolverines have the edge in the metrics, but will face a legitimate challenge on the road in this game. Expect the crowd to be rocking for Purdue, which should help offset some of the difference in skill between these two teams. Ultimately, this game is likely to come down to the wire. When the clock hits 0:00, I like Michigan's chances of winning yet another big game.
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Pick
Michigan Wolverines (-100)
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