Indiana vs. Marquette Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Nov. 9

My Indiana vs. Marquette prediction breaks down this neutral-site Big Ten vs. Big East contest in Chicago. Indiana is a 2.5-point betting favorite for this Waterkeeper Alliance Invitational game, which tips off from the United Center at 1 p.m. ET (ESPN). 

The Hoosiers and Golden Eagles are a combined 3-0, and this will be an excellent test for both new-look teams that employ vastly different moving parts from a year ago. I am backing the Under with my best prediction, given that Shaka Smart’s defense should be ahead of Indiana’s offense in this early nonconference matchup.

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📊 Indiana vs. Marquette odds

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🏀 Indiana vs. Marquette preview & score prediction

Indiana and Marquette are coming off wins over SWAC teams. I was more impressed with the Golden Eagles’ win over a Southern team that is favored to win the conference. Shaka Smart tied Tom Crean as the second-fastest to win 100 games with the program, and I expect his team’s defense will be locked in for this matchup against the Hoosiers.

Marquette’s strong perimeter defense

In its season opener against Alabama A&M, Indiana assisted on 23 of 36 made field goals and averaged a blistering 1.40 points per possession. 

It is clear that under new coach Darian DeVries, Indiana wants to space the floor and predicate its offense on perimeter shooting. But defending the perimeter has typically been a hallmark of Smart’s teams, allowing opponents to shoot 32% or worse from 3-point range in two of the last four seasons.

Smart’s teams also make you work each possession, as Marquette has ranked 359th, 361st, and 358th in the last three seasons in opponents’ average possession length.

Marquette’s defense allowed 1.098 points per possession in the second half of its previous win against Southern. But the Jaguars were not at all interested in playing half-court offense, and Indiana’s 262nd-ranked tempo and half-court style should play right into the Golden Eagles’ hands as a team that does not allow quick shots in half-court settings.

The Under has cashed in nine of Marquette’s 13 neutral site games since the start of the 2023 season. I am headed to BetMGM to place my $10 wager, as other best sports betting sites have an O/U a full point lower at 152.5. Through its -105 price at 51.22% implied odds, a $10 winning wager would net $9.52 in profits.

Score prediction: Marquette 74, Indiana 72

🆚 Indiana vs. Marquette matchup to watch

Tucker DeVries vs. Marquette 

Marquette shot the ball poorly in its opening game versus Albany. The Golden Eagles made just five of 17 unguarded catch-and-shoot opportunities and ended 0.44 points per possession under expectations on all jump shots, per Synergy.

That should give Indiana forward Tucker DeVries plenty of opportunities to grab rebounds, and he already ranks 32nd nationally with a 34.2% defensive rebounding rate. He pulled down 11 boards in 30 minutes in the season opener and should be in line for even more minutes today in what should be a close game throughout.

I also target Hoosiers forward Lamar Wilkerson's rebounds total in my college basketball best bets today.

Best prop bet: Tucker DeVries Over 7.5 rebounds (+120 via bet365)

📺 How to watch Indiana vs. Marquette

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 9
• Tipoff: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: United Center (Chicago)
• TV: ESPN