Saint Peter's vs. Purdue Updated Prediction and Odds for NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen

There comes a time during every Cinderella story in the NCAA Tournament when things “get real”. This is that time for No. 15 Saint Peter’s as they prepare to take on the No. 3 seeded Purdue Boilermakers. The Peacocks could become the first No. 15 seed ever to advance to the Elite Eight with a win. This is their fourth trip to the Tournament and they never got past the round of 64. 

But, as I said, Purdue is a massive upgrade in the competition department. The Boilermakers ranks second in adjusted offensive efficiency at KenPom just behind overall top seed Gonzaga. They were the best shooting team in the Big Ten this year and are a scary matchup for any team. Especially a No. 15 seed. Here are the odds for this historic Sweet Sixteen matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Saint Peter's vs. Purdue Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Saint Peter's +12.5 (-110)
• Purdue -12.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Saint Peter's +800
• Purdue -1200

Total: 135.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Saint Peter's vs. Purdue Prediction and Pick

Speaking as someone who lived across the street from Saint Peter’s Run Baby Run Arena for years, I have to say I am pumped they have made it this far. But, I have to admit that I think this is where the fun ends for my guys from Jersey City. As the biggest underdogs of the Sweet Sixteen, they obviously are expected to fall. So, why don’t I have faith they can pull off yet another upset? Well, the short answer is that Purdue is just too good. I know that the Peacocks already knocked off a No. 2 seed in Kentucky, but miracles don’t happen on a regular basis. 

The Boilermaker's offense is just too good in my estimation. They rank seventh in the nation in scoring, 12th in assists, and 25th in rebounding. Purdue is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country at 38.8 percent and ranks sixth in overall shooting percentage. 

And while the Peacocks defense ranks 20th in scoring, they haven’t played the caliber of teams that Purdue has during the season. Saint Peter’s played the 168th hardest schedule this year according to KenPom. Purdue played the 28th hardest. And they still put up crazy numbers on offense. 

Now, while I don’t see another outright win in the Peacocks' future, I don’t see a blowout loss either. Saint Peter’s has not lost a game against the spread since Jan 25. That is nine ATS wins in a row, including two in the NCAA Tournament. It won’t make much difference to Peacock fans, but they should keep it close enough to at least cover this loss. 

Pick: Saint Peter’s -12.5 (-110)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE