NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
The Horizon League race tightens this Thursday as the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons travel to the Resch Center to face the Green Bay Phoenix. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, and this high-stakes conference clash will be featured on a national stage via ESPN2. Green Bay enters the game with a 14-12 record and currently sits in third place in the league standings, having won two in a row. Purdue Fort Wayne, holding a 14-11 mark, is right on their heels in fourth place, though they are looking to snap a two-game skid following a tight 73-68 loss to first-place Wright State.
UP TO $250 BONUS BET
The Best Live In-Game Betting
21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
This is the second meeting of the year between these programs, but the first in conference play. Green Bay stole a 72-54 victory in Fort Wayne on New Year’s Day, ending a nine-game losing streak against the Mastodons. With the Phoenix favored by a slim 1.5 points at home and a moneyline of -126, oddsmakers are expecting a much more competitive battle this time around as both teams fight for a first-round bye in the upcoming conference tournament.
Purdue Fort Wayne vs Green Bay Odds
These are the current betting lines for Thursday’s matchup. Bettors should continue to monitor the latest college basketball odds as the national TV window often brings late sharp action.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | +101 | +1.5 (-112) | O 143.5 (-116) |
| Green Bay | -126 | -1.5 (-111) | U 143.5 (-116) |
Purdue Fort Wayne Betting Form
The Mastodons bring one of the most efficient backcourts in the Horizon League to the Resch Center. Led by Corey Hadnot II, who leads the league in scoring at 20.0 points per game, Purdue Fort Wayne thrives on a high-percentage offensive attack. Hadnot recently crossed the 1,000-career point milestone and is coming off a 22-point effort against Wright State. He is flanked by Mikale Stevenson (15.2 PPG) and DeAndre Craig, creating a triple-threat guard rotation that is difficult to contain for 40 minutes. The team ranks 63rd nationally in effective field goal percentage (54.9%) and is elite at protecting the ball, boasting a top-ten national ranking in turnover margin.
While their offense is potent, the Mastodons have been vulnerable on the glass and on the road. They were outrebounded 39-24 in their last outing, a recurring theme in their 4-8 road record this season. To stay competitive, they must find a way to limit second-chance points and utilize their perimeter shooting, where they average nearly 10 made triples per game. You can track their latest shooting splits on the Purdue Fort Wayne stats and results page. Availability is key for their thin frontcourt, so keep an eye on the Purdue Fort Wayne injury report before tip-off.
Green Bay Betting Form
The Phoenix have undergone a resurgence under the lights of the Resch Center, where they hold a 7-4 record. Green Bay’s identity is built on defensive discipline and a balanced offensive approach. Marcus Hall leads the team in both scoring (13.6 PPG) and rebounding (5.4 RPG), while C.J. O’Hara has been on a tear lately, averaging nearly 16 points over his last ten games. Perhaps their most important asset is point guard Preston Ruedinger, who ranks in the top three of the Horizon League in assists and boasts an elite 3.7 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Green Bay’s recent form is encouraging, highlighted by a thrilling overtime win at Northern Kentucky and a double-digit victory over Detroit Mercy. They play a very deliberate, slow-paced style that can frustrate high-scoring teams like the Mastodons. They currently rank 49th nationally in field goal percentage (47.9%), proving they are comfortable in a low-possession game. Check the Green Bay schedule and stats to see how they’ve fared as short home favorites. For now, the roster appears healthy, but check the Green Bay injury report for any last-minute changes to their guard rotation.
Purdue Fort Wayne vs Green Bay Matchup Breakdown
This game is a classic clash of styles: the high-volume shooting and pressure defense of Purdue Fort Wayne against the methodical, efficient half-court execution of Green Bay.
- The Turnover Battle: Purdue Fort Wayne leads the league in turnover margin (+4.8), but Green Bay’s Preston Ruedinger is one of the most sure-handed guards in the conference. If the Mastodons can’t force the Phoenix into mistakes, they may struggle to find enough extra possessions to offset their rebounding deficit.
- Three-Point Variance: The Mastodons live by the long ball, making nearly 10 per game. Green Bay’s perimeter defense is solid, but if Hadnot and Stevenson get hot early, it could force the Phoenix out of their preferred slow tempo.
- Home Court and Pace: Green Bay averages just 61.8 possessions per game. By keeping the game in the 60s, they limit the impact of Purdue Fort Wayne’s transition game. The Resch Center crowd on a national TV night should help the Phoenix maintain that control.
Given the importance of this game for Horizon League seeding, a college basketball betting guide would suggest that the veteran-led backcourt of the Mastodons might have a slight edge in a high-pressure televised environment.
Purdue Fort Wayne vs Green Bay Predictions and Best Bets
I like Purdue Fort Wayne +1.5 in this spot. While Green Bay won the first meeting comfortably, that game took place on New Year’s Day and saw the Mastodons shoot significantly below their season averages. Corey Hadnot II is playing at an All-League level right now, and his ability to create his own shot is a massive advantage in a game with a spread this tight. I expect the Mastodons’ superior scoring depth and their ability to protect the ball to be the difference-maker, allowing them to escape with a narrow road win or at least cover the small number.
On the total, the Under 143.5 is the clear lean. Both teams rank in the bottom third of the country in adjusted tempo, with Green Bay being particularly dedicated to the “slug-it-out” style. Our model projects a total score of 139 points, which aligns with how these conference rivals have played each other historically. On a big stage like ESPN2, shooting legs can sometimes be heavy early, further supporting a lower-scoring affair.
Best Bet: Purdue Fort Wayne +1.5 (-112).
Accurate NCAAB Predictions Delivered
Lock in premium value for $9
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For more detailed analysis of the Thursday night Horizon League slate, head over to today’s college basketball picks. We offer a massive volume of free NCAAB picks every day, backed by full transparency and long-term records. You can compare different expert styles by visiting our handicapper leaderboard to find out who has the hot hand this month.
If you’re looking for a competitive edge, check out our premium NCAAB picks or buy expert picks from the top sports handicappers in the business. Using an expert betting guide is the best way to stay ahead of the books as we head into the madness of March.
