After the early exits by Kentucky and Baylor, Purdue now stands as the top-seeded team in the East region. They handled business against Yale in the first round by dominating the paint as we expected, but Texas will be a completely different challenge.
The Longhorns silenced the naysayers (such as myself) by comfortably taking care of the Hokies in the first round. The Texas offense finally showed its true potential after being almost non-existent for the second half of the regular season, shooting 10-for-19 from long distance and 77% from the free throw line.
These two coaches have NCAA tournament history as Chris Beard has actually beaten Matt Painter twice already in March, both times as the lower-seeded team. This is the third different team Beard is coaching against Purdue in the tournament, and he will look to make it three wins in a row against Painter.
Can the Longhorns continue the underdog trend in the East region and knock off the Boilermakers? A Sweet 16 matchup against the Peacocks of Saint Peter’s awaits the winner.
Let’s dive in!
Purdue vs Texas Odds
Purdue vs Texas CBB gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of March 20 at 11:00 a.m. EST.
- Moneyline: Texas (+140) v Purdue (-160)
- Spread: Texas +3 (-110) v Purdue -3 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 135 (-110) / Under 135 (-110)
- Implied Score: Texas 66, Purdue 69
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Purdue vs Texas Prediction
This game is going to come down to the Texas offense. Purdue is ranked 90th in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency and has truly struggled on the defensive end of the floor this season.
The Boilermakers especially struggle defending the pick and roll and guarding cutters to the rim. Texas won’t have to shoot above 50% from the three-point line again to beat Purdue, as they will have no trouble attacking the basket.
Purdue will be the bigger team once again with Zach Edey and Trevion Williams, but Texas plays excellent defense in the paint. They force incredibly tough shots and swarm the ball, making it difficult to score in the paint. Purdue will have to hit their three-pointers today if they want to win this matchup.
Texas guard Courtney Ramey is one of the best on-ball defenders in the nation and draws the assignment of trying to shut down future NBA lottery pick Jaden Ivey in this matchup. I think Ramey will do enough to contain Ivey and lead this Texas defense to a win against the Boilermakers.
Purdue vs Texas Score Pick
Texas 71, Purdue 70
With a matchup against the 15-seeded Peacocks awaiting the winner, the team that stays focused on this matchup will end up winning the game.
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While this game could come down to the last possession, I believe Matt Painter will underperform in the tournament yet again. I also think the Longhorns have the defense to contain Purdue’s offense, allowing Texas to eke out the win.
Purdue vs Texas Best Bets
Texas +3 (-110) at Caesars
WAGER: 1 Unit
With an elite defense and a tendency to force turnovers, the Longhorns will be able to keep this game close from wire to wire and could even pull off the victory. I don’t hate sprinkling a half unit on the Texas moneyline here as well , but Texas +3 is the better bet.
OVER 135 (-110) at Caesars
WAGER: 1 Unit
It’s always risky to take the Over in a game with Texas because of the slow pace they play at, but I just cannot bet the Under on a game involving Purdue.
The Boilermakers have one of the best offenses in the nation, yet one of the worst defenses left in the tournament. That is a recipe for points being scored, and I’m going to take the Over 135 in this context.
A close game such as this could also result in a lot of free throws in the final minutes that could tilt this game to the Over.
