We’ve reached the Sweet 16!
The East region is anybody’s for the taking, with both the No. 1 seed Baylor Bears and No. 2 seed Kentucky Wildcats eliminated before the second weekend. Purdue now stands as the favorites to advance to the Final Four from the East, but the Peacocks of Saint Peter’s might have something to say about that.
The Peacocks are the lowest seed remaining in the tournament and have conquered the state of Kentucky in one weekend by defeating both the Wildcats and Murray State Racers.
Saint Peter’s is the first school from New Jersey to reach the Sweet 16 since 2000 and has been doing it by playing some stellar defense. They held the Racers to only 34 percent shooting from the field and only 33 percent from the 3-point line.
Of the 16 remaining teams, Saint Peter’s has the 9th best adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom’s rankings, and Purdue is 15th, with only Miami (FL) having a worse rating than the Boilermakers.
Will the Peacocks’ defense be enough to pull off another upset? Here is our Purdue vs Saint Peter’s picks and predictions for Friday’s East regional matchup.
Purdue vs Saint Peter’s Odds
Purdue vs Saint Peter’s March Madness odds are current as of Monday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. ET via Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Saint Peter’s (+650) vs Purdue (-1000)
- Spread: Saint Peter’s +12.5 (-110) vs Purdue -12.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 136.5 (-110) / Under 136.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Purdue 74.5, Saint Peter’s 62
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Purdue vs Saint Peter’s Prediction
This game will come down to if the Saint Peter’s offense can exploit the defensive woes of Purdue.
The Boilermakers struggle to guard against the pick and roll game which could lead to a big game for Saint Peter’s senior forward KC Ndefo. He had a double-double against Murray State and will need to have a big game against Purdue if Saint Peter’s is to have a chance to win.
Size-wise, the Peacocks cannot match up with Zach Edey in the paint and will have to double team him in the post and force Purdue to make their threes. If Purdue is hitting the three-ball well, this game could get out of hand pretty early.
The Boilermakers will be one win away from a Final Four berth after taking care of business against the Peacocks.
Purdue vs Saint Peter’s Score Pick
Purdue 77, Saint Peter’s 63
Purdue should confidently beat Saint Peter’s in this matchup. However, the Boilermakers’ struggles on defense will lead to a high-scoring game.
Purdue will secure an Elite 8 berth with a potential matchup against UNC/UCLA awaiting them.
Purdue vs Saint Peter’s Best Bets
OVER 136.5 Total Points (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
I backed the Over in Purdue/Texas, and that hit with ease, and I’m going right back to the well. Although I think Purdue should win this game with ease, their defensive woes give me no confidence in playing the Under. Saint Peter’s should still be able to score in this contest even if it isn’t enough to take down the Boilermakers.
I will keep playing the Over in games involving Purdue until they show me they can compete on the defensive side of the ball. It’s why this is my CBB bet of the day.
Saint Peter’s +7 First Half (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
I can see the Peacocks keeping it close early in this game and then Purdue pulling away in the second half.
Saint Peter’s covered this in the first half of their first two games in the tournament, and they will make it three straight first-half covers.
- Want to place a parlay bet on this March Madness game? Click for our Purdue vs Saint Peter’s Same-Game Parlay.
They were tied with Kentucky at the halfway point in the first game and actually had a 5-point lead against the Racers in the Round of 32.
Back the Peacocks in the first half +7.
