McNeese vs Purdue Odds, Prediction and March Madness Picks, March 22

McNeese’s Cinderella run isn’t over just yet. After defying their original March Madness odds with a big upset over Clemson, the Cowboys now have their toughest challenge yet – Purdue in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Despite McNeese riding on momentum, Purdue is still the clear favorite for college basketball betting odds, laying -6 points. But can the Cowboys slow down a Boilermakers offense that’s firing on all cylinders? Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” – we’ve got some things to chat about.

McNeese vs Purdue Prediction Today (March 22)

My prediction

Purdue might be the favorite, but McNeese has already proven it can hang with the nation’s best. Sitting 12th in the nation for points allowed and forcing 14.5 turnovers per game, per NCAA betting trends, the Cowboys have the tools to make life miserable for the Boilermakers. Purdue will get its points, just not at the usual pace. Give me McNeese (+6) to cover – and keep the Cinderella story going.

Top 3 McNeese vs Purdue Betting Picks

My top picks

1. McNeese vs Purdue ATS Pick: McNeese +6 points
2. McNeese vs Purdue O/U Pick: Under 143 points
3. McNeese vs Purdue best point-scorer bet: Braden Smith Under 17.5 points (-106)

My Analysis

McNeese +6: Neither team is the favorite to win March Madness, but I’m rolling with the Cowboys and the points. Purdue’s offense, led by point guard Braden Smith in the pick-and-roll, is no joke, but McNeese thrives on forcing turnovers and disrupting rhythm. I’m banking on its defense to cause chaos once again. Give me the Cowboys to cover.

McNeese vs Purdue Under 143: McNeese should get its points against an iffy Purdue defense, but the Cowboys’ own defensive pressure will keep the Boilermakers from running up the score. That’s why, for my college basketball picks, I’m all in on the under here. The final score will hover near 143, but it won’t pass it.

Braden Smith Under 17.5 Points: Even with the NCAA basketball news hyping up the Boilermakers heading into this one, I’m not sold on Braden Smith lighting up the scoreboard. He may be coming off a 20-point outing, but now he’s up against a McNeese defense that lives off harassing ball handlers and forcing turnovers. Expect Smith to dish out the dimes like usual, but fall short on points.

McNeese vs Purdue March Madness Best Prop Bet

Christian Shumate 7+ Rebounds (-120)

Purdue will look to overwhelm this Cowboys defense, but I’m not buying it – especially with how McNeese has handled top offenses in recent college basketball games. That’s why I’m riding with McNeese forward Christian Shumate to grab 7+ rebounds again. Shumate delivered last game, and with matching up against forward Trey Kaufman-Renn, he’ll need to hold his own on the glass once more.

PROP PICK: Christian Shumate 7+ Rebounds (-120)

McNeese vs Purdue How to Watch

• Game: McNeese Cowboys (28-6) vs Purdue Boilermakers (23-11)
• Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI
• Date/Time: Saturday, March 22, 12:10 p.m. ET
• McNeese vs Purdue Live Stream: Fubo TV

Check here for McNeese vs Purdue stats.