Purdue vs. NC State Prediction and Odds: The Wolfpack Will Keep it Close

The No. 1 college basketball team in the country, the Purdue Boilermakers, suffered their first loss of the season on Thursday when Rutgers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a half court heave to end the game.

They look to rebound and get back in the win column this afternoon when they take on NC State in New York in the Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational.

The Wolfpack enter the game with a 7-2 record, having won their last time out against Bethune-Cookman, taking them down by a final score of 65-48.

Let's take a look at the odds for today's game, courtesy of WynnBET.

Purdue vs. NC State Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Purdue -15 (+100)
• NC State +15 (-120)

Moneyline:

• Purdue -1025
• NC State +680

Total:

• 143 (Over -115/Under -105)

Purdue vs. NC State Prediction and Pick

Purdue is rightfully the favorite in this game, but I think 15 points is too many to give the Wolfpack. The Boilermakers have the significant advantage in the shooting department, ranking second in the country in effective field goal percentage, but NC State can hang with them defensively.

NC State ranks in the top third in the country in opponent effective field goal percentage and defensive efficiency. Most importantly, the Wolfpack does a fantastic job of not turning the ball over, which is key in avoiding blowouts. They rank 10th in the country in turnovers per possession, coughing up the ball on just 13.7% of possessions.

Purdue should win this game, but I can't lay the 15 points in this one. Give me NC State to cover.

Pick: NC State +15