Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/20/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/20/26

INDIANA @ PURDUE (PUR -11.5, 148.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

HOOSIERS @ BOILERMAKERS 2/20/26

The biggest rivalry in the Big Ten takes center stage tonight as the Indiana Hoosiers travel to West Lafayette to face the No. 7 Purdue Boilermakers. This is a high-stakes rematch of the January 27th meeting where Indiana pulled off a 72-67 upset. Purdue is looking for revenge and a bounce-back performance after a tough loss to Michigan, while Indiana is fighting to solidify its NCAA Tournament resume.

Indiana has proven they can not only compete with but beat this Purdue squad. The Hoosiers rank 30th nationally in effective field goal percentage (57.1%) and possess the perimeter length to bother Purdue's shooters. While playing at Mackey Arena is a different beast, 10.5 points is a generous cushion for a team that matches up well stylistically. 

Indiana’s defense actually ranks 48th in adjusted efficiency compared to Purdue (27th). Indiana’s ability to hit the three-pointer (36.1%) against a Purdue defense that has struggled to close out on the perimeter (124th in opponent 3PT FG%) is a major factor in tonight’s game.

Indiana covered as a 4.5-point underdog in the first meeting this season. Indiana has won the last two meetings against Purdue (January 2026 and February 2025).

Both teams feature elite offenses. Purdue ranks 2nd in the country in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency (129.8), while Indiana is 38th  (121.5). In their first meeting, they combined for 139 points in a game where Purdue shot uncharacteristically poorly from the free-throw line and the field. Back at home, expect Purdue’s shooters like Fletcher Loyer (39.8% from three) and Braden Smith (40.6% from three) to find their rhythm. Indiana’s Lamar Wilkerson is a scoring machine, averaging 21.2 points per game, and the Hoosiers' high three-point attempt rate (50.6% of shots) often leads to high-scoring bursts.

Both offenses rank in the top-100 in scoring. Purdue averages 82.5 points per game (55th). Indiana averages 80.3 points per game (92nd). Both teams rank in the top-30 for effective field goal percentage (Purdue 14th, Indiana 29th).

Purdue is incredibly difficult to beat at Mackey Arena despite losing their last game to No. 1 Michigan. That embarrassing loss will be a motivating factor in avoiding a season sweep by their rivals. Braden Smith is one of the best floor generals in the country, averaging 8.7 assists per game, and Trey Kaufman-Renn (13.0 PPG, 9.1 RPG) provides a physical interior presence that Indiana struggled to contain individually in the first game. Kaufman-Renn had 23 points in that game. Keep in mind that Purdue has won 82.5% of its games at Mackey Arena.

Purdue is 21-5 overall and rarely loses consecutive games at home. The Boilermakers rank 12th in offensive rebounding percentage (39.0%), which should grant them crucial second-chance opportunities.

Smith should be a factor as well. He had just 14 points and 5 assists in the first meeting. 

Indiana does have bigger wing players that can give Purdue’s defense some trouble. As mentioned, Wilkerson scores 21.2 points per game and Tucker DeVries (6-7) adds 13.8 points per game. Nick Dorn, who averages 9 points a game, is also 6-7 and is a 40% three-point shooter.

Get free CBB Picks and CBB Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2026 CBB schedule from the YLose.com  crew, one of the industry's largest networks of premier expert CBB handicappers. YLose.com has been bringing the CBB betting community the best CBB free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best CBB moneyline and point spread odds and game totals.

FREE PICK: OVER 148.5

As stated above, both these teams can score. Purdue is No. 2 in the nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. The Boilermakers prefer a slower tempo, but they are incredibly efficient in making every possession count. They also average 82.5 ppg and that number rises at home to 84.4 ppg. Indiana likes to shoot the three, which Purdue’s defense tends to allow. Indiana hit 12 threes in the first meeting. Purdue also shoots the three and does so very well. They are 26th in the nation in 3PT FG%. Braden Smith shoots 40.6% and Fletcher Loyer shoots 39.8%. The other factor tonight is Indiana’s defense. Over their last five games, the Hoosiers have allowed an average of 80 points per game. Three of Indiana’s last five games and two of Purdue’s last three have gone Over the total. 

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