Third-seeded Purdue and sixth-seeded Texas meet at approximately 8:40 p.m. ET in Milwaukee for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen.
The Boilermakers (28-7) left no doubt as their physical frontcourt, and quick backcourt was too much for Yale, 78-56. Purdue was 27 for 33 at the free-throw line and was able to rest its starters for most of the second half, which is needed after playing three games in Indianapolis a week prior. Jaden Ivey scored 22 points, and Zach Edey added 16 points with nine rebounds and three blocks.
The Longhorns (22-11) punched above their weight offensively in an 81-73 win over Virginia Tech. Texas shot 10 for 19 on 3-pointers, 21 percentage points higher than its season average. Andrew Jones set the tone, scoring 21 points on 5-of-7 3-point shooting.
The line opened at Purdue -3.5 with an over/under of 133.5. Those have since moved to Purdue -5.5 with an over/under 135.5 as of this writing.
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview: Securing opportunities
Purdue is going to want to push the pace to give themselves as many opportunities with one of the country’s most efficient offenses. Purdue converts 49.7% of field goal attempts and 39.7% of 3-point attempts, which both are third in the country. The Boilermakers 80.7 points per game, which is seventh in the country.
Ivey ascended into a likely lottery pick, averaging 17.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game this season. Edey, a 7-foot-4 center with skill, averages 14.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Trevion Williams comes off the bench to average 11.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, giving the frontcourt a different motor to contend with.
Texas Longhorns Betting Preview: Getting defensive
Friday’s win aside, Texas has hung its hat on the defensive end. While they limited Virginia Tech to 12 3-point opportunities, the Longhorns allowed the Hokies to convert 49% of total field goal attempts.
They’ll have to shore those up and play closer to their ninth-ranked average of 59.5 points per game, and they’ll need a slower pace to do it. Texas also is 55th in limiting teams to 28.9 rebounds per game, which will be tested.
Utah transfer Timmy Allen leads the offense at 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Minnesota transfer Marcus Carr is behind him at 11.0 points and 3.2 assists per game. Then Andrew Jones (10.9 ppg) and Courtney Ramey (9.3 ppg) follow.
Betting Prediction
Texas is 13-20 against the spread and 15-18 on over/unders this season. The Longhorns are 4-7 in true road games and 2-1 on a neutral court. Purdue is 14-19-2 against the spread and 18-17 on over/unders with a 5-5 record in true road games and 7-1 on a neutral court.
The Texas backcourt is going to play like it did on Friday with Edey’s presence around the rim. Even drawing him out on ball screens, Purdue’s defense recovers well, and so does Edey, who is more athletic than people think. Allen will be limited as a result.
The line movement suggests bettors know what’s coming: Purdue is too tough of a matchup for a team limited offensively. Purdue -5.5 is the pick.
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