Jan. 5 Plays

We’re back on the horse after the Holidays with three plays, including the fourth Jimmer lock of the season. Enjoy.

Minnesota at Purdue O/U 138.5
The Gophers are a deep bunch that employs full-court pressure and likes to push the ball on offense. Purdue has a number of scorers and it’s easy for a team to fall into that frenetic pace that Minnesota sets.
Although Purdue is a solid defensive team, the Boilermakers are actually allowing teams to shoot 38 percent from 3-point range, which is a big part of Minnesota’s guard-heavy offense.
Expect this game to differ from the normal Big Ten tempo and for both teams to get out and run with this game played in the 70s.
Take the over for 3 Units.

Iowa at Illinois O/U 140.5
The line in this game is 16 points in favor of the Illini and the only way the Hawkeyes stay on this one is to slow the pace.
Although the Hawkeyes put up 74 points in their last game, that was against a Minnesota team that likes to push the ball. It’s highly unlikely Iowa gets even close to that number in this one.
Neither team is all that skilled on offense, and although Iowa has some outside shooting, they can’t play an up-and-down game and stay in this one.
Todd Lickliter will try to slow the pace, and Bruce Weber always prefers to focus on defense.
This one won’t get close to the number. Take the under for a Jimmer-third-game-bowling-under, stone-cold, lead-pipe lock for 5 Units.

New Mexico at San Diego St. (-3)
The Lobos have had a dream start to the season, including a 14-1 record and a No. 14 ranking.
But SDSU was picked as the conference favorites and this is the Aztecs’ chance to get off to a quick start in conference play.
Head coach Steve Fisher has a lot of scoring options with four players averaging double figures.
The Aztecs have been somewhat inconsistent this season, but they need this win and New Mexico is a young team that already lost at Oral Roberts this season.
Take SDSU for 4 Units.