Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024
Time: 6:09 p.m. ET
Arena: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
The Final Four is upon us, college basketball fans and the stakes couldn’t be higher! In one of the most anticipated matchups, the red-hot Purdue Boilermakers take on the Cinderella story of the tournament, the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Both teams are hungry for victory, but only one can advance to the coveted National Championship game. Let’s dive deep into each team and see who has the edge in this epic clash.
Predicted Scores for NC State vs. Purdue
– SportsLine: NC State – 71 | Purdue – 79
– ESPN BPI: NC State – 69 | Purdue – 78
– KenPom: NC State – 70 | Purdue – 81
– Sagarin: NC State – 68 | Purdue – 79
– Massey Ratings: – NC State – 70| Purdue – 79
Purdue Boilermakers: A Juggernaut on the Rise
The Purdue Boilermakers are a force to be reckoned with. They’ve been on a tear lately, losing only two of their last 21 games. This team boasts a well-balanced offense and a stifling defense, making them a nightmare matchup for any opponent. Leading the charge is the unstoppable Zach Edey, a senior center averaging a mind-blowing 30 points and 16.3 rebounds in the NCAA tournament! He’s a walking double-double and a matchup nightmare for any team.
In their last game, a nail-biting victory against Tennessee, Edey put on a show, scoring a career-high 40 points. The Boilermakers have dominated throughout the tournament, winning their first four games by an average of over 21 points. They’re a well-oiled machine on both ends of the court, and their confidence is soaring.
NC State Wolfpack: The Improbable Dream Continues
The North Carolina State Wolfpack has defied all odds to reach the Final Four. They’re the highest-seeded team (11th) to ever make it this far, joining the ranks of legendary Cinderella squads. Don’t let their underdog status fool you, though. The Wolfpack are playing with a chip on their shoulder and a fire in their bellies. They’ve rattled off an impressive nine-game winning streak, showcasing their resilience and determination.
A key factor in their success has been the emergence of senior forward DJ Burns Jr. After averaging a modest 13 points throughout the season, Burns has exploded in the tournament, putting up 20-point performances in three of their last four games. His newfound scoring prowess has given the Wolfpack a much-needed offensive boost.
Why Purdue is the Safer Bet (-8.5)
While NC State’s story is undeniably inspiring, the Boilermakers simply have too much firepower. Edey’s dominance in the paint will be a major challenge for the Wolfpack to overcome. Purdue’s overall efficiency on both offense and defense makes them the more complete team. Additionally, their experience in big games shouldn’t be overlooked.
The -8.5 point spread is the safer bet considering Purdue’s recent dominance and NC State’s lack of experience at this stage. It’s a very achievable margin.
Final Four Frenzy: Purdue Poised to Take Flight
This Final Four matchup promises to be a thrilling battle. With Edey leading the charge and their well-rounded play on both ends, Purdue has a strong chance to steamroll into the National Championship game. So, college basketball fans, buckle up and get ready for a Boilermaker eruption! And for those looking for a safe bet, Purdue covering the -8.5 point spread is a strong possibility given their recent dominance.
PICK: Purdue -8.5 WIN