Purdue a Threat to UConn in March Madness Odds

Three GREAT @GettySport shots of Zach Edey’s decisive late-game block on Dalton Knecht. Body control is incredible by Edey here. Arguably the defining play of his college career on a day where he scored a career-high 40 points to send Purdue to its first Final Four in 44 years. pic.twitter.com/1b9xjv7cPo

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 1, 2024

If Zach Edey grabbing the mic and dropping f-bombs was not enough, it is clear Purdue is out to prove that last season’s loss to 16-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson was a fluke.

Let’s take a look at how Purdue landed in the Final Four and how the team has performed in March Madness betting.

Purdue Has Covered the Spread in Every NCAA Tournament Matchup

America’s brackets breathed a sigh of relief as Purdue made short work of No. 16 Grambling State in the opening round. History would not repeat itself as the Boilermakers notched a 28-point win to advance.

Purdue has played looser as the team continues to advance with last season’s blunder a distant memory. The Boilermakers came away with a 39-point blowout victory against No. 8 Utah State on their way to the Sweet 16.

Purdue has rewarded bettors by covering the spread in the NCAA basketball odds in all of the team’s March Madness matchups. Blowout wins tend to make that happen.

The Boilermakers then defeated Gonzaga for the second time this season with a 80-68 win. Purdue’s most challenging test came in the Elite Eight, but the Boilermakers were able to survive Tennessee’s comeback attempt by notching a six-point win to head to the Final Four.

Zach Edey Has Been the Best Player in the NCAA Tournament

It is no surprise that Purdue’s success has been led by big man Zach Edey. The Boilermakers star has been a problem for every March Madness opponent.

Edey is putting up video game numbers by averaging 30 points, 16.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in the NCAA tournament. UConn’s bigs may match up with Edey the best, and time will tell if we will get the two favorites squaring off in the championship game.

Purdue vs NC State: The Boilermakers Are a 9-Point Favorite

America’s new favorite player D.J. Burns will look to slow down Edey and keep NC State’s improbable run going. Purdue is a sizable 9-point favorite versus NC State in the Las Vegas college basketball odds.

Purdue has been profitable at the sportsbook this season going 21-15-1 against the spread. The Boilermakers have trended heavily toward the over. Purdue has gone over the total in 23 matchups, with the under cashing in 14 games.

If Purdue ends up squaring off against UConn, the Boilermakers are expected to be the underdog. NC State is hoping this iconic matchup never happens as the Wolfpack attempts to play spoiler.

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