Purdue vs Houston Odds, Sweet 16 Prediction and March Madness Picks for March 28

The Sweet 16 is here, and odds for March Madness don’t get much tougher. The Purdue Boilermakers have cruised through the first two rounds, but now, they face a No. 1 seed Houston squad that plays defense like white on rice.

Despite the March Madness lines having the Cougars (-8) as heavy favorites, do the Boilermakers have enough gas in the tank to take them on, especially with the advantage of playing in their home state? Let’s break this down and see who’s got the edge.

Purdue vs Houston Prediction Today, March 28

My prediction

Look, Purdue’s offense has been solid, but the Boilermakers haven’t faced a championship contender that can lock down both the paint and perimeter like Houston. With the Cougars allowing just 58.4 points per game, per NCAAB betting tips, I’m expecting them to clamp down on Purdue’s offense right out of the gate, hound its backcourt and create havoc. Take Houston laying the points.

Top 3 Purdue vs Houston Betting Picks

My top picks

1. Purdue vs Houston ATS Pick: Houston -8
2. Purdue vs Houston O/U Pick: Over 132
3. Purdue vs Houston top prop: Braden Smith Under 6.5 assists (+110)

My Analysis

• Houston -8: The NCAA basketball odds say the Cougars have the upper hand, and I couldn’t agree more. Purdue has had a relatively easy schedule so far, and now going up against the nation’s top defensive team and Cougars’ leading scorer, LJ Cryer, coming off a 30-point game, everything is stacked against the Boilermakers here.
• Purdue vs Houston Over 132: The Boilermakers will have their hands full against Houston’s defense. It’ll be tough, but I’m confident they’ll put up points – just not at the pace they’re used to. Factor in Houston coming off a solid win over Gonzaga and now facing Purdue’s youth-level defense, my March Madness predictions are siding with the over all day.
• Braden Smith Under 6.5 assists: Need more March Madness picks? Take Braden Smith to finish under 6.5 assists. The Boilermakers’ pass-first guard has been a killer on the pick-and-roll this tournament, but that won’t be the case against Houston’s defense. Do I need to mention that he’s finished below this mark for three straight games?

Purdue vs Houston March Madness Best Point Scorer Prop

LJ Cryer 18+ points (+129)

It’s Houston’s game, and for another one of my March Madness expert picks, I’m backing LJ Cryer to score 18+ points. Cryer is coming off a career game against Gonzaga, and carrying that momentum into this matchup against Purdue’s shaky defense, there’s no doubt the Cougars’ leading scorer will look to attack and put the Boilermaker defense on their heels.

Prop Pick: LJ Cryer 18+ points (+129)

Purdue vs Houston How To Watch

• Game: Purdue (24-11) vs Houston (32-4)
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
• Date/Time: Friday, March 28, 11:09 p.m. ET
• Purdue vs Houston: Fubo.tv

Check here for Purdue vs Houston stats.

Purdue vs Houston Betting Trends

• Boilermakers: 3-5 ATS as underdog.
• Cougars: 18-16 ATS as favorite.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.

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