There are a number of terrific first-round matchups in the NCAA Tournament, and the game between Purdue and Old Dominion is one of them. Purdue is the number three seed in the South region, and they will take on the 14-seeded Monarchs of Old Dominion. Even though there is a large gap between the seeds, this figures to be a terrific game.
Purdue tied for a share of the Big Ten regular-season title with Michigan State, finishing with a 16-4 record in league play. The Boilermakers got off to a slow start this season, but have just three losses since January 9th. Old Dominion was the class of Conference USA this season, winning the regular season and conference tournament. The Monarchs bring an impressive 26-8 record into this game. Purdue is a -12.5 point favorite over Old Dominion in this game.
Edwards Does It All For Purdue
All-American candidate Carsen Edwards is an elite scorer and has carried the Purdue offense all season long. Edwards leads the team with 23.0 points per game, and you can bet that Old Dominion will do all they can to slow him down. The point guard is just one of many shooters for Purdue, who shoots better than 36 percent from deep as a team.
The Boilermakers can score the basketball, and they will want to turn up the pace in this game. Purdue averages 76.2 points per game this season while allowing just 66.8 points per night. Big Matt Haarms patrols the paint for Purdue, averaging 9.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. There is no doubt that Purdue will have mismatches against Old Dominion.
Defense Carrying Monarchs
Old Dominion is one of the best defensive teams in the country this season, and they will scrap and claw the entire game. The Monarchs allow just 61 points per game, and they have plenty of defenders to throw at Edwards. Old Dominion has impressive wins over VCU and Syracuse already this season, and they won’t be afraid of the Boilermakers.
Offense has been an issue for Old Dominion this season, and they are scoring just over 66 points per game. Guard B.J. Stith leads the Monarchs with 16.9 points per game, but Old Dominion doesn’t really have a scoring threat. If Old Dominion is going to win this game, they are going to have to make shots. The Monarchs are making 35 percent of their three-point attempts this season, and they have plenty of shooters on the roster.
Purdue Wins Tight Game
Purdue was one of the hottest teams in the country in February, but they have cooled off quite a bit. The Boilermakers might be seeded a little high as a three seed, and this is a tough first-round matchup for Purdue. Old Dominion might not be able to score, but their defense will keep them in this the whole way. Take the points in this game, and root for a close game. Bet Old Dominion +12.5 in this game against Purdue.
