The Purdue men's basketball team survived an upset bid from High Point University on Thursday, but they're not out of the woods just yet. They'll need to battle yet another Cinderella story on Saturday, the McNeese State Cowboys, with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line. McNeese State is one of the hottest - and most popular - teams in the country and will not go down without a fight.
How to watch Purdue vs. McNeese State
- Date: Saturday, March 22
- Time: 12:10 p.m. EST
- Venue: Amica Mutual Pavilion (Providence, RI)
- How to Watch (TV): CBS
- Streaming: Fubo TV
- Purdue record: 23-11
- McNeese State record: 28-6
Purdue vs. McNeese State odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Purdue -255
- McNeese State +205
Spread
- Purdue -6.5 (-102)
- McNeese State +6.5 (-120)
Total
- 142.5 (over -115/under -105)
Purdue injury report
- N/A
McNeese State injury report
- N/A
Purdue and McNeese State series history
- Purdue all-time record vs. McNeese State: 1-0
Purdue vs. McNeese State prediction
Coaching-wise, this game should be fairly even. Purdue's Matt Painter has extensive experience in the NCAA Tournament and took his team to the National Final last season, but McNeese State's Will Wade is coaching in his sixth March Madness and has a Sweet 16 under his belt. Painter certainly has the upper hand, but Wade and his team are playing with a confidence and belief in themselves that is dangerous for their opponents.
Purdue should still pull out the victory on Saturday, but it may be closer than most think. The Boilermakers played in a sneaky-good Big Ten Conference, but the Cowboys' pace, length and athleticism are sure to wreak havoc at times. McNeese State will almost undoubtedly keep it close, but Purdue's tournament experience and duo of All-Americans should pay dividends and help them win in what could be a high-scoring affair.
Purdue Boilermakers
McNeese State Cowboys