#12 McNeese vs #4 Purdue NCAAB Pick: Upset Alert 4-12 Duel In Round Of 32

• McNeese achieved a historic 69-67 upset over Clemson.
• Purdue secured a 75-63 victory against High Point.
• The last matchup between these teams was on Nov. 11, 2016. Purdue won 109-65

The #12 seed McNeese Cowboys are set to face the #4 seed Purdue Boilermakers in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Mar. 22 at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. Both teams are coming off significant victories, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16, continuing their pursuit of the national championship.

Nobody Saw The Cowboys Coming

The Cowboys, under second-year head coach Will Wade, have had an impressive season, boasting a 28-6 overall record and a dominant 21-1 mark in the Southland Conference. Their last 69-67 victory over Clemson showcased their resilience and potential as a Cinderella team in this tournament.

Key contributors include Brandon Murray, who delivered 21 points off the bench against Clemson, and Christian Shumate, who recorded a double-double. McNeese’s aggressive defense was pivotal in stifling Clemson’s offense, a strategy they’ll need to replicate against Purdue.

Boilermakers Need To Come Out Swinging

The Boilermakers enter this matchup with a 23-11 overall record, having secured a 75-63 win over High Point in the first round. Forward Trey Kaufman-Renn dropped an efficient 21 points and eight rebounds vs High Point, keeping the ship steady. Purdue needs to maintain pace.

Guard Braden Smith also helps steady the ship for Purdue, his contributions are in large part due to him averaging 16.3 points and 8.8 assists per game.

To advance, they’ll need to maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on their offensive opportunities to counter McNeese’s momentum.

McNeese Cowboys vs Purdue Boilermakers Pick

Purdue enters the game as a 6.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 142.5 points. While McNeese’s recent performance positions them as a potential Cinderella story, Purdue’s experience and depth provide them with a slight edge. However, if McNeese can sustain their defensive pressure and receive strong contributions from their key players, they have the potential to cover the spread and possibly secure another upset. It’s March Madness, hammer home the underdog!