Pedro Oliveira
Purdue University will face Saint Peter’s University in the Sweet 16, and both will be looking to get a spot in the next phase.
The Boilermakers eliminated the ironclad University of Texas with a score of 81-71 while the Peacocks continue their step as the true revelation of this tournament, having defeated not only Kentucky but Murray State as well, and seeks to be the first seed in position 15 to advance to elite 8 in the history of March Madness. Who will be the winner who will continue in the final NCAA tournament?
Picks and Predictions for the Purdue Boilermakers vs Saint Peter’s Peacocks NCAA Basketball Championship Sweet 16 Game on March 25
- Where: Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- When: Friday, March 25, 7:09 PM ET
- Betting Line: Purdue Boilermakers (-12.5) vs Saint Peter’s Peacocks (+12.5)
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 29-7
- Conference Record: 14-6
- Spread: -12.5
- Over/Under: Under 135.5
- Moneyline: -1000
The third seed from the Big Ten conference is one of the best prepared teams on offense that can be found in the entire NCAA, being among the top 10 teams in the nation in field percentage (49.1%), triple percentage (38.8%), effective field percentage (56.7%) and true shooting (60.1%), in addition to being one of the best offenses inside the paint in turn.
The only unknown that has consistently developed in the season for the Boilermakers has been their defense: Purdue is not more than the top 100 teams in any type of defensive category and its weakest points are the defense of the perimeter, and the few losses caused by its defensive pressure. The Peacocks have the best internal defense of the tournament so far and in second chances they have swept their competition, leaving a very key point that they can exploit against the Boilermakers on Friday.
Jaden Ivey has continued as his lead in the squad, scoring a line of 17.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists, and they will need him to remain the center point of the offense. But in my view the defensive presence of Zach Edey is even more important in limiting Saint Peter’s offensive potential.
Saint Peter’s Peacocks Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 21-11
- Conference Record: 14-6
- Spread: +12.5
- Over/Under: Over 135.5
- Moneyline: +650
KC Ndefo has been the anchor throughout the March Madness of this squad, his presence in the paint and ability to dominate the boards is probably the most important factor through the two meetings that Saint Peter’s have had so far. Needless to say, if his performance falls this Friday, he will likely lead the Peacocks toward elimination as well.
In the same way we do not expect that overnight the level of Ndefo disappears, what if it can disappear is the offensive capacity of the Saint Peter’s, being its most limited aspect and that it has been able to solve momentarily thanks to its great conversion ratio of second chances, achieved thanks to its collective pressure.
Daryl Banks III, Doug Edert and Puerto Rican Matthew Lee are going to have to move the ball in the best possible way and look for every available space, not so much for the defense that Purdue can put, but to try to avoid anything an offensive inefficiency on their part. So far the Peacocks have been a completely different set than they were, so the Boilermakers could be surprised if they don’t put the batteries in place from the start of the game.
JefeBet Prediction
Although we are talking about a seed in position 15 against a third seed, the difference is not so evident if we go to the performance that both have had in their two games, the talent on the court is much more closed than the odds give to see. However, Purdue has been a very solid team throughout the season, and although it may not have what it takes to be the NCAA champion, it has to eliminate the Peacocks from the force.
This game could end up anywhere at this point, but Purdue will emerge victorious with a very close score.
