- Matchup: Purdue Boilermakers vs Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
- Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL
- Broadcast: BTN
- Betting Odds: Nebraska (+4)
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The Purdue Boilermakers (23-8) are set to face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (26-5) this Friday in the Big Ten Quarterfinals at the United Center. Nebraska enters this contest as 4-point underdogs, with an over/under total of 142.5.
In their last outing, the Purdue Boilermakers took a defeat against Wisconsin, falling 97-93. Purdue recorded a 50.7% shooting percentage, successfully making 34 out of 67 shots, including 11 of 25 from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, the Boilermakers converted 14 of 19 attempts, equating to a 73.7% success rate. On the boards, they collected 29 rebounds, with 12 of these being offensive. The team also dished out 20 assists, forced 8 turnovers, and logged 5 steals. Defensively, Purdue allowed an opponent field goal percentage of 55.8% on 29 of 52 attempts. Wisconsin recorded 19 assists and garnered 4 steals, while securing a total of 17 rebounds (4 offensive, 13 defensive) without managing a block. At the free-throw line, Wisconsin excelled, converting 21 out of 24 for an impressive 87.5%. They also connected on 18 of their 34 3-point attempts. The foul counts showed Purdue with 18 personal fouls against Wisconsin’s 19.
Fletcher Loyer stood out during the matchup, scoring 23 points on 8 of 13 shooting. Playing for 36 minutes, he also grabbed 3 rebounds and provided 2 assists, showcasing an impressive 61.5% shooting percentage.
Purdue is entering this game holding a record of 23-8 for the season. They average 82.3 points per game, ranking 53rd nationally, while shooting 50.1% from the field. The Boilermakers have a 3-point shooting percentage of 38.5% (293 of 761) and a free-throw success rate of 74.2%. Collectively, Purdue averages 35.5 rebounds per game and has accumulated 610 assists this season, ranking them 2nd in the nation for assists. Additionally, they have an average of 9.1 turnovers per game and commit 15.1 personal fouls per game.
Purdue’s defense forces an average of 10.5 turnovers per game, while they draw 17.1 personal fouls. They concede 34.2% shooting from beyond the arc, ranking 93rd nationally in points allowed per game (70.7). Opponents are shooting 44.5% against them for the season (783 of 1,761), and the Boilermakers allow an average of 28.5 rebounds per game, ranking 226th in college basketball for total assists allowed (441).
In their recent encounter, the Nebraska Cornhuskers emerged victorious against Iowa with a score of 84-75. They secured 23 defensive rebounds and 5 offensive rebounds for a total of 28. Nebraska committed 12 turnovers, yet managed to achieve 11 steals throughout the game. Iowa was assessed 18 personal fouls, allowing Nebraska 27 free-throw attempts, converting 20 for a rate of 74.1%. From distance, Nebraska shot 37.0% by converting 10 of 27 attempts. Overall, the Cornhuskers finished 27 for 54 from the field, resulting in a shooting percentage of 50.0%. Iowa managed to hit 27 of 56 shots, shooting 48.2%. Nebraska allowed Iowa to grab 31 rebounds total, including 7 offensively.
Cale Jacobsen played a pivotal role for the Cornhuskers, recording 15 points in 30 minutes of play, alongside 2 assists. He boasted a perfect shooting night, going 6 of 6, and totaled 8 rebounds.
This season, Nebraska boasts an impressive record of 26-5. Offensively, they are shooting 46.7% from the field, ranking 94th in the nation. The Cornhuskers have notched 2,415 points this season, averaging 77.9 points per game, while averaging 35.1 rebounds per game. They dish out assists at a rate of 18.1 per game (13th in the nation) and experience 9.7 turnovers per game. Nebraska commits 14.3 fouls on average and has a free-throw success rate of 75.5%.
The defensive side of Nebraska’s game sees them allowing 29.8% shooting on 3-point attempts (265 of 888), with opponents making 72.2% of their free throws. They surrender 14.1 assists and 34.6 total rebounds per game, placing them 239th and 199th in the nation, respectively. Nebraska ranks 18th nationally in points allowed per game (66.0) and forces 13.1 turnovers each game, while limiting opponents to a 40.3% shooting percentage (22nd in college basketball).
Who is poised to win tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Take Nebraska (+4)
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