Saint Peter’s Vs. Purdue Odds, Picks, and Predictions (3/25/22)

The Cinderella story continues for 15th seed Saint Peter’s. They face 3rd seed Purdue in the Sweet Sixteen. No 15th seed has ever made the Elite Eight, so Saint Peter’s will look to make history here. They ousted 2nd seed Kentucky 85-79 in overtime off of a great shooting night. Saint Peter’s overcame a monster performance from Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe and shot a 50.9 FG% and 52.9 3PT%. Saint Peter’s then beat 7th seed Murray St 70-60 in the Round of 32 because of their defense. They were +11 in points off turnovers and held Murray St to 18/52 (34.6%) from the field. 

Purdue demolished 14th seed Yale 78-56 by holding Yale to a 36.5 FG%. Yale had no answers for the Boilermakers, and the talent gap was clear to see. Purdue then defeated 6th seed Texas 81-71 after showing up in crunch time. Up 74-71, Jaden Ivey lost his defender and sank a crucial three-pointer with 1:01 on the clock. Texas couldn’t respond and was eliminated from the tournament. It may seem like an easy game considering they are playing a 5th seed, but Purdue must be wary here. Momentum is huge in March and Saint Peter’s is flying high right now. If it was a seven game series, it would be extremely hard to back Saint Peter’s. However, anything can happen in one game. 

Saint Peter’s Vs. Purdue Betting Odds

Saint Peter’s Betting

Saint Peter’s leans on three players: Daryl Banks III, KC Ndefo, and Doug Edert. Banks III had a quiet game against Murray St, but he was the main reason they beat Kentucky. He scored 27 points on 9/19 from the field and 5/8 from three against the Wildcats. KC Ndefo was the key against Murray St with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists on 50 FG%. Off the bench, Doug Edert has been crucial with an average of 16.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.0 APG on 9/13 from the field and 12/14 from the charity stripe. Saint Peter’s is an excellent defensive team who can guard all areas of the court. Their offense is sporadic, but they are humming right now. The defense will be put to a test with Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey facing them. 

Purdue Odds

Likely top 5 pick Jaden Ivey is the backbone of this Purdue team. He’s a ferocious defender who can score from all areas of the court. For the tournament, he is averaging 20.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.0 APG on 50 FG% and 50 3PT%. Ivey will terrorize Saint Peter’s on both ends of the court, and he is unlike anything they have faced. Saint Peter’s had problems guarding Tshiebwe, and 7’4” Zach Edey should see success. He’s a menace in the post who can shoot over anybody. He’s averaging 13.5 PPG and 9.5 RPG on 46.1 FG%. Purdue also has a bench weapon who can match Edert’s production. 6’10” Trevion Williams is posting 15.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 3.0 APG on a 66.7 FG%. Saint Peter’s needs to look out for Williams and stifle his bench contributions. Their opening lead could easily be overturned because of a spark from Williams when he checks into the game.

Saint Peter’s Vs. Purdue Picks & Prediction

It’s been a great run, but I like Purdue to take this game. Jaden Ivey is a special prospect, and Saint Peter’s will just have no answers for him on offense and defense. The depth is there for Purdue, and they have a solid interior threat. Saint Peter’s needs a fantastic shooting night like their game against Kentucky to have a chance here. The spread is -12.5 Purdue, which is a little large. I like Saint Peter’s to cover here and at least make it a game. They have a ton of momentum and can keep it within 12 points. 

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