Gonzaga vs. Purdue Picks and Predictions – Friday, Mar. 29

an 25, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (13) controls the ball against San Francisco Dons forward Ndewedo Newbury (21) in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center.
Image Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

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

The Gonzaga Bulldogs (27-7) are set to challenge the Purdue Boilermakers (31-4) in a high-stakes Sweet 16 showdown. With both teams boasting impressive records and on winning streaks, this matchup is a clash of collegiate titans with a spot in the Elite Eight on the line.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Purdue Boilermakers Odds Info

Moneyline: Gonzaga Bulldogs +200 (BetRivers) / Purdue Boilermakers -225 (FanDuel)

Spread: -5.5 – Gonzaga Bulldogs -109 (BetRivers) / Purdue Boilermakers -105 (PointsBet)

Total: 154.5 – -105 (FanDuel) / -105 (Barstool)

Game Info

Date: Friday, Mar. 29

Time: 06:39 PM

Location: Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI

TV: TBS

Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Trends

  • On the road, Gonzaga Bulldogs are 8 and 2 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Gonzaga Bulldogs are 15 and 16.
  • Against the spread on the road, Gonzaga Bulldogs are 8 and 6.

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.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Purdue Boilermakers Predictions

The stage is set at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit for a riveting contest between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Purdue Boilermakers. Gonzaga, riding a four-game winning streak, brings a potent offense that ranks 10th in average points (85.0) and 2nd in field goal percentage (51.9%). The Bulldogs’ forward Graham Ike (16.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG) and guard Ryan Nembhard (6.9 APG) have been instrumental in their recent success, propelling the team through the tournament with their scoring and playmaking abilities.

Purdue, on a two-game winning streak, counters with a formidable offense of their own, ranking 16th in average points (83.9) and 13th in field goal percentage (49.0%). The Boilermakers’ towering center Zach Edey (24.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG) has been a dominant force all season, and his matchup with Ike will be a key battle to watch. Guard Braden Smith (7.3 APG) is another critical player for Purdue, orchestrating the offense and setting the pace for their high-scoring attack.

Defensively, both teams have their strengths, but it will be the ability to control the tempo and execute in clutch moments that could decide the outcome. With Gonzaga’s third-ranked WCC offensive rebounding (9.6 ORPG) going up against Purdue’s top 3-point shooting (40.9%), the game promises to be a strategic chess match between two well-coached teams. As the Bulldogs and Boilermakers prepare to tip-off, all eyes will be on which team can impose their will and earn the right to continue their march towards NCAA glory.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Purdue Boilermakers Pick

Considering the high stakes of this Sweet 16 matchup and the defensive capabilities of both teams, the ‘Under’ seems to be the most prudent pick. While both Gonzaga and Purdue boast high-scoring offenses, the pressure of the NCAA Tournament often leads to more conservative play and tighter defenses. Purdue’s ability to control the paint with Zach Edey and Gonzaga’s efficient field goal percentage suggest a game where possessions will be highly contested and points may not come as easily as they do in the regular season. Furthermore, the Bulldogs’ lack of depth could lead to a slower pace, as they aim to keep their key players out of foul trouble against a physical Purdue team.

Historically, head-to-head matchups have been close and competitive, and with Purdue’s home advantage neutralized at a neutral venue, the dynamics of the game could shift towards a more defensive battle. Additionally, the Boilermakers’ top 3-point shooting percentage might be challenged by Gonzaga’s perimeter defense, which has been tightening up as the tournament progresses. All these factors contribute to the expectation of a lower-scoring affair than the over/under line suggests, making ‘Under’ the more compelling choice for this encounter.

The Pick: Under 154.5 -105 (FanDuel)