Thursday left us with only a couple of significant upsets, including 12-seed McNeese taking down five-seed Clemson 69-67. Meanwhile, Purdue was tested in spurts against High Point but controlled from start to finish in a 77-67 win.
McNeese was able to stifle a sluggish Clemson offense, but will the Cowboys be able to replicate that defensive performance against the Boilermakers, who can struggle offensively at times?
McNeese vs. Purdue Betting Preview
All McNeese vs. Purdue odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of March 21, 2025.
- Spread
Purdue -5.5 - Moneyline
Purdue -245, McNeese +200 - Over/Under
143.5 Points - Game Time
Saturday, March 22, 12:10 p.m. ET - Location
Providence, R.I. - How to Watch
CBS
Prediction for McNeese vs. Purdue
Purdue were able to contain a below-average athletic team in the first round when it went up against High Point. McNeese are a fast, explosive unit, who made Clemson defenders look helpless several times on Thursday.
Purdue could prove to be an easier challenge than Clemson for the Cowboys. Zach Edey was such an intimidating presence for the Boilermakers the last four years, but now that he is gone, Purdue has suffered defensively.
If McNeese can consistently penetrate the lane like it did constantly against Clemson, the Cowboys can pose issues for Purdue.
The Boilermakers are led by guard Braden Smith and forward Trey Kauffman-Renn, who combined for 41 points against High Point. The rest of the team accounted for 36 points, showing how reliant Purdue has been on the two veteran players.
A standout performer for McNeese on Thursday was senior guard Brandon Murray, who averaged 7.1 points during the regular season. Murray exploded for 21 points, going 10-18 from the field.
Because Purdue lacks depth, if Murray can replicate that performance by any stretch, McNeese could find itself in a similar advantage against the Boilermakers. McNeese held Clemson to 18 points in the first half, including shutting down fifth-year senior Chase Hunter.
Rebounding will be a major factor in this contest. Purdue was able to dominate the glass against High Point. McNeese were undersized against Clemson but were able to out-rebound the Tigers 38-34.
KEEP READING: Has Every No. 1 Seed Ever Reached the Final Four Together?
McNeese head coach Will Wade reportedly accepted an offer from North Carolina State for the same position. The timing of the report could have been a distraction for the Cowboys, but they seemed to use that as extra motivation.
Entering the tournament, Purdue was a popular pick to be upset in the first round. High Point may not have been able to expose the Boilermakers’ weaknesses. McNeese’s length and athleticism will be able to take advantage of Purdue’s shortcomings.
Prediction: McNeese 72, Purdue 66
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