This Horizon League showdown between the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons and the Green Bay Phoenix carries real significance for both teams as they jockey for positioning in the conference standings. The Mastodons (14-11, 8-6 Horizon) travel north to face the Phoenix (14-12, 9-6 Horizon) at the Kress Events Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Thursday. This game features two clubs in the top four in the Horizon League standings, making this a big one with postseason play just weeks away. Here, I break down this game and make my Purdue Fort Wayne vs Green Bay prediction in the betting markets.
Pick: Purdue Fort Wayne +1.5 ATS PRO
Confidence: ★★★★☆
This game comes at an important time in the Horizon League. Green Bay sits just a game ahead of Purdue Fort Wayne in conference play, and with each team eyeing a top-tier seed in the Horizon League tournament, Thursday’s result could carry implications beyond the regular season. The Phoenix are coming off consecutive wins at Northern Kentucky in overtime and over Detroit Mercy, regaining some rhythm after split results earlier in league play. Green Bay’s offense is anchored by CJ O’Hara, who has been a consistent scoring presence at around 14 points per game. Preston Ruedinger is a steady threat from beyond the arc, averaging 2.2 made threes per outing.
Purdue Fort Wayne has recently struggled with consistency, suffering a loss at Youngstown State but also hanging in games against quality conference foes. Senior guard Corey Hadnot II has been the Mastodons’ primary offensive force, averaging 20.0 points per game with solid all-around contributions. Mikale Stevenson has provided secondary scoring and playmaking, giving Purdue Fort Wayne balance that is difficult to defend. Both teams yield a fair number of points defensively, setting the stage for a potentially close, high-scoring contest.
This season’s first meeting between these teams took place early in conference play, with Green Bay winning convincingly in that game. And while each squad has grown and evolved since then, Purdue Fort Wayne leads the overall series historically. In league play this year, Green Bay has shined more consistently at home, while the Mastodons have shown they are capable of winning away from Fort Wayne with their offensive execution.
Score Projection: Purdue Fort Wayne 80 – Green Bay 79 ATS PRO
Win Probability: Purdue Fort Wayne 53%, Green Bay 47% ATS PRO
This Horizon League clash should be a tight, competitive game with momentum possibly swinging late. Green Bay’s slight advantage in the market is justified by home court and their offensive efficiency, but Purdue Fort Wayne’s aggressive defense and scoring make the Mastodons an attractive selection with the points. Expect a game that remains close until the final minutes, one that the visitors could ultimately win on the road.
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