NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Saturday, Nov. 21, 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN3, WatchESPN
Arena: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.
Line: Purdue (-11)
The Old Dominion Monarchs were picked to finish at the top of Conference USA in the preseason media poll and have looked to be worthy of that prediction through the first three games of the season. However, this team will face the No. 21 Purdue Boilermakers next in what will be their most difficult game of the entire season.
Like the Monarchs, Purdue has come into the season with several easy wins. The Boilermakers have won their first three games of the season by a combined score of 284-180, without the help of their best player, A.J. Hammons, for two of those games. No player on this squad averages more than 26 minutes a game, which is a prime example of how deep this team actually is and their ability to succeed with multiple lineups.
Both of these teams are somewhat underrated in the national picture. Old Dominion has the makings of a top 25 team, whereas Purdue has the makings of a top 15 team. A win for either team will look absolutely great to the NCAA Selection Committee once March swings around and could make a significant difference on tournament seeding.
Old Dominion should stand a chance to make the 2016 NCAA tournament even if they do not win C-USA, but I don’t think they can beat Purdue with a healthy and active Hammons. Purdue has an elite inside game, which could pose major problems for a team like Old Dominion which is ranked No. 178 when it comes to rebounds per game.
Prediction: Purdue 68, Old Dominion 60
Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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