Purdue’s Round of 32 victory over McNeese State has punched its ticket to the Sweet 16. As of Saturday afternoon, the Boilermakers are set to face one of Houston or Gonzaga next Thursday in Indianapolis. Is last season’s national title runner-up a threat to win it all? Let’s take a closer look at Purdue’s March Madness futures on DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Purdue odds to reach the Final Four
Entering the NCAA Tournament, Purdue was a popular pick to get knocked out early. However, two dominant wins over High Point and McNeese State have proven that the Boilermakers are here to stay. This roster is built on experience and star power. In the back court, Fletcher Loyer and Big 10 Player of the Year Braden Smith form a lethal guard duo. Down low, Trey Kaufman-Renn has emerged as one of the nation’s best centers.
Things get thin from there; the Boilermakers have only three players averaging more than 5.8 points per game. That depth could be their downfall against deeper squads such as Houston and Gonzaga. Still, it’s difficult to imagine any opponent possessing a more dangerous trio than Purdue. In addition, Matt Painter is one of the better head coaches in all of college basketball.
Assuming Purdue is able to reach the Elite 8, it’s difficult to say who their opponent will be. One of UCLA, Tennessee, Kentucky or Illinois would meet them for the chance to reach the Final Four. The first two schools are terrific on defense, while the latter two favor high-powered offenses. If the Boilermakers have any edge, it’s that they might be the most balanced team left in the Midwest region. At +500 odds to win just two more games, Purdue has serious Final Four value.
Purdue odds to win the national title
Let’s assume the Boilermakers, for the second straight season, have reached the Final Four. Can they win the whole thing? Obviously, it’s difficult to say right now without having a better idea of who Purdue might meet in Texas. Still, we know the team’s first opponent would come out of the East. Right now, the overwhelming favorite to win that region is Duke (-135).
Defeating Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils won’t be easy. Purdue has seven Quad 1 wins this season, including victories over Alabama, Oregon, and Michigan. In short, this group has proven they can beat good teams. However, Duke is a different beast; beating the hottest team in the country would qualify as a major upset. Even if the Boilermakers pull off a win, they’d have to finish the job in the national title game. Right now, the program’s odds of winning it all are at +6000.
As good as Purdue is, a lack of depth could be exposed against the best teams in the nation. The Boilermakers delivered two blowout wins to start March Madness, but they came against two low-major underdogs. If you’re thinking of backing Purdue, I’d stick to winning the Midwest region at +500 odds.
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