Gonzaga Bulldogs (27-7) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (31-4)
March 29, 2024 7:39 pm EDT
The Line: Purdue Boilermakers -5.5; Over/Under: +154.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Gonzaga Bulldogs and Purdue Boilermakers meet Friday in the college basketball Sweet 16 at the Little Caesars Arena. The winner of this game will play the winner of Creighton – Tennessee in the Elite Eight. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Gonzaga vs Purdue prediction.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are coming off wins over McNeese and Kansas. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are averaging 85.6 points on 51.9 percent shooting and allowing 68.7 points on 40.2 percent shooting. Graham Ike is averaging 16.4 points and 0.9 assists, while Anton Watson is averaging 14.5 points and 7.2 rebounds. Nolan Hickman is the third double-digit scorer and Ryan Nembhard is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc and 72.2 percent from the free throw line. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are allowing 33.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 36.3 rebounds per game. Gonzaga lost three non-conference games this year, including the one to UConn.
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview
The Purdue Boilermakers are coming off wins over Grambling and Utah State. The Purdue Boilermakers are averaging 84.2 points on 49.1 percent shooting and allowing 70.2 points on 41.9 percent shooting. Zach Edey is averaging 24.5 points and 12.1 rebounds, while Braden Smith is averaging 12.3 points and 5.7 rebounds. Lance Jones is the third double-digit scorer and Fletcher Loyer is grabbing 2.1 rebounds. The Purdue Boilermakers are shooting 41.1 percent from beyond the arc and 72.2 percent from the free throw line. The Purdue Boilermakers are allowing 32 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 37.9 rebounds per game.
Purdue Boilermakers Team Facts
- Purdue has won each of its last 13 games against non-Conference opponents.
- Each of Purdue’s last 13 night games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
- Purdue has won the first half in each of its last seven night games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Team Facts
- Gonzaga has won 41 of its last 44 games when playing with a rest advantage.
- Each of Gonzaga’s last four night games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.
- Gonzaga has lost the first half in each of its last six NCAA Tournament games against Top 8 Seeds.
Gonzaga vs Purdue prediction
Purdue has been the more consistent team this season and will have the best player on the floor in Edey. Gonzaga also played McNeese and a banged up Kansas team to get here. The last time we saw Gonzaga against a respectable team, it was losing to Saint Mary’s as a favorite in the WCC Tournament. I can understand why Purdue is favored. With all that said, Gonzaga is an elite offensive team and if shots are falling, Purdue is going to be in trouble. Also, this will be just the 10th time since 2019 where Gonzaga is an underdog. This will be the third time in the NCAA Tournament since 2016 Gonzaga is an underdog. You just don’t get these chances often with Gonzaga. I want the points with the Bulldogs. The winner of this tilt will take on Creighton or Tennessee in the next round.
