Grambling State vs. Purdue Picks and Predictions – Friday, Mar. 22

Mar 21, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) shoots the ball during the NCAA tournament practice day at Gainbridge FieldHouse.
Image Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Grambling State Tigers vs. Purdue Boilermakers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Grambling State Tigers hit the road to face the Purdue Boilermakers.

The Purdue Boilermakers (29-4) are set to face off against the Grambling State Tigers (20-14) in a highly anticipated matchup. With Purdue looking to solidify their dominance and Grambling State aiming for a historic upset, all eyes will be on Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Grambling State Tigers vs. Purdue Boilermakers Odds Info

Moneyline: Grambling State Tigers +1550 (Ceasars) / Purdue Boilermakers -4500 (Ceasars)

Spread: -26.5 – Grambling State Tigers -110 (FanDuel) / Purdue Boilermakers -110 (FanDuel)

Total: 138.5 – -105 (Barstool) / -115 (Barstool)

Game Info

Date: Friday, Mar. 22

Time: 06:25 PM

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN

TV: TBS

Grambling State Tigers Betting Trends

  • On the road, Grambling State Tigers are 7 and 9 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Grambling State Tigers are 17 and 14.
  • Against the spread on the road, Grambling State Tigers are 10 and 8.

Purdue Boilermakers Betting Trends

  • At home, Purdue Boilermakers are 16 and 0 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Purdue Boilermakers are 16 and 15.
  • Against the spread at home, Purdue Boilermakers are 9 and 10.

Grambling State Tigers vs. Purdue Boilermakers Predictions

The Purdue Boilermakers enter the game as the clear favorites, boasting a formidable 29-4 record and a reputation for strong play, especially at home where they are undefeated. Led by the towering presence of 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey, who has been a force in the paint, Purdue’s offense has been nearly unstoppable. The Boilermakers have also been impressive on the defensive end, although they have shown some vulnerability, allowing opponents to shoot 43.5% from the field. Purdue will be looking to rebound from a recent loss and avoid a repeat of last year’s early tournament exit.

On the other side, the Grambling State Tigers, with a 20-14 record, are coming off an overtime victory in the First Four against Montana State. The Tigers have shown resilience and the ability to compete, winning nine of their last ten games. They will rely heavily on their top scorers, junior guard Kintavious Dozier and senior guard Tra’Michael Moton, to carry the offensive load. Defensively, Grambling State will need to step up their game to contain Purdue’s high-powered offense, particularly focusing on limiting Edey’s impact inside.

This game will likely come down to key matchups, particularly the battle in the paint between Edey and Grambling’s interior defenders. Purdue’s ability to control the boards and dominate inside could be the deciding factor. However, if Grambling State can maintain their recent offensive efficiency and capitalize on Purdue’s defensive lapses, they have a chance to keep the game competitive. With both teams having a lot to prove, this matchup is poised to be one of the more intriguing games of the tournament.

Grambling State Tigers vs. Purdue Boilermakers Pick

The matchup between the Grambling State Tigers and the Purdue Boilermakers presents a compelling case for the under on the total line of 138.5. Purdue’s offensive prowess, led by Zach Edey, is well-documented, but their recent games have shown a trend towards tighter, more defensive contests. The Boilermakers have gone under in 4 of their last 10 games, suggesting a shift towards lower-scoring affairs. Additionally, Purdue’s defense, while not impenetrable, has been effective enough to disrupt opponents’ scoring rhythms, which could pose a significant challenge for Grambling State’s offense. The Tigers have also gone under in 16 of their 31 games this season, indicating a pattern of games where scoring does not reach high thresholds. Given these trends, and considering the pressure of NCAA Tournament play, a defensive battle is likely to ensue, making the under a prudent pick.

The Pick: Under 138.5 -105 (Barstool)