Operating in relative anonymity the Texas Tech Red Raiders are a March Madness Cinderella. What makes this year so special is that Tech is not alone. Several teams are rocking glass slippers heading into Sweet Sixteen action. Defense is what has propelled Tech to third round status. Few public betting NCAA basketball commodities are more complete than Purdue. Boilermaker backers point to a team with few flaws and a full court game. Following a February dip Purdue is back on track. Head coach Matt Painter and crew has Boilered Up at the perfect time.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Date and Time: Friday, March 23, 2018, 8:57 p.m. ET
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech | +1½ (-110) | 137½ (-110) |  |
| Purdue | -1½ (-110) | 137½ (-110) | |
| |||
Red Raiders vs. Boilermakers TV Coverage: TBS
Purdue
Purdue is perplexing the public betting NCAA basketball with contrasting numbers. Despite winning 30 of 36 games the Boilers have paid out just 16 times. In fact, they have gotten the cash in just two of their last ten games. Just two of their last eight games have gone under the total. First round action saw Purdue score a 74-48 payout over Cal State Fullerton. But a 76-73 overlay win as four-point chalks over Butler followed. Balance is the calling card of the Boilermakers. Ranking 38th nationally for offense they rank 24th for defense. On average they outscore opponents 81-65.
Texas Tech
Equally frustrating has been Texas Tech. With a 26-9 straight up mark they have covered only 14 games. Tech has just one online offshore bookmaker payout in their last nine games. Stephen F. Austin was TTU’s first round victim in a 70-60 defeat. Second round play saw the Red Raiders score a 69-66 payout over Florida. Tech boasts the nation’s 15th ranked defense. Per game the Red Raiders outscore opponents 75-65. Lack of offensive flash is one reason for the lack of Texas Tech’s notoriety. Big 12 dominance by Kansas would be another.
Big Names on Court
Guard Keenan Evans leads the Red Raider offense with 18 points per game. He pumped in 23 and 22 points respectively in the first rounds. Purdue guard Carsen Edwards leads the team with 18 points per outing. He was held to 15 and 13 points in the first two tourney games. Secondary scoring is provided by Isaac Haas and Vince Edwards. The Purdue tandem averages 15 points per tilt.
Coach vs. Coach
Matt Painter is in his 13th season at Purdue. He has led the Boilers to four Sweet Sixteens. However, Painter is yet to advance to the Elite Eight. Chris Beard is the head man of Texas Tech. TTU is in the Sweet Sixteen for just the sixth time in history. Never has Tech advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.
Matchup to Watch
Both Purdue and Texas Tech bring excellent defense. The matchup difference for public betting NCAA basketball is the Boiler offense. Matt Painter’s Purdue team has the scoring depth that the Red Raiders lack. In summary that scoring ability is what will separate these teams on Friday night.
Red Raiders vs. Boilermakers NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
Although something of an underachiever most of the season Purdue has championship material. Texas Tech lacks the firepower for a deeper run.
NCAA Betting Online Pick: Purdue Boilermakers
NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Boilermakers 79, Red Raiders 68
Check out highlights of Purdue’s second round win over Butler!