In today's NCAA Tournament action, all eyes are on a thrilling Midwest Region matchup in Indianapolis, where Utah State takes on Purdue at 2:40 pm ET, broadcasted on CBS. The question on everyone's mind: Can Utah State become the latest mid-major to eliminate Purdue from the tournament?
The eighth-seeded Aggies (28-6) showcased their prowess by defeating ninth-seeded TCU 88-72 last Friday, marking their first second-round appearance since 2001. With stars like Ian Martinez and Isaac Johnson leading the charge, Utah State dreams of reaching the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1970.
Purdue (30-4), however, is no stranger to tournament upsets, having been eliminated early in the last three tournaments. Despite this, they sailed through the first round against Grambling State, with Zach Edey and Braden Smith delivering standout performances.
This matchup pits Purdue's recent vulnerability against Utah State's exceptional season, setting the stage for a potential upset. Let's dive into the odds and predictions for this intriguing encounter.
Purdue enters as a heavy favorite, boasting a perfect 19-0 SU record when favored by double digits this season. However, their ATS performance tells a different story, especially against non-Big Ten opposition.
Utah State, on the other hand, has struggled as an underdog, making this matchup a test of their resilience. Key factors include Purdue's dominant player, Zach Edey, against Utah State's Great Osobor, and the Aggies' perimeter defense against Purdue's sharpshooting.
Despite Purdue's past upsets, they've learned valuable lessons that could see them through. Yet, Utah State's performance this season suggests they're capable of putting up a fierce fight.
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Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the scene, this NCAA Tournament matchup between Utah State and Purdue is not to be missed. With both teams bringing their A-game, it promises to be a clash filled with tension, strategy, and the potential for a memorable upset.
