Bodog Beat

The Purdue Boilermakers started out slow in Big Ten play but they were playing hurt. (AP Images)

But since Robbie Hummel and Chris Kramer returned to action, the Boilermakers have reeled off victories against Wisconsin, Northwestern and Iowa by a collective 37 points.

It is a good thing they are healthy and playing with confidence because the Boilermakers now embark on a five-game stretch in which four are on the road. It all starts on Thursday night in Minnesota against the Golden Gophers.

Tubby Smith’s Golden Gophers, are 16-2, 4-2 in the Big Ten after losing on Jan. 18 at Northwestern. This matchup is key for both schools because neither wants to fall three games behind Michigan State in the loss column.

The Boilermakers are 1-4-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Minnesota, while the Gophers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Bet on NCAA basketball today.