March Madness: Gonzaga vs. Purdue odds, picks and predictions

The No. 5 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (27-7) battle the No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers (31-4) in the Sweet 16 on Friday. Tip from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is set for 7:39 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Gonzaga vs. Purdue odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Gonzaga took down McNeese 86-65 in the 1st round to cover as a 7-point favorite. In the 2nd Round last Saturday, the Bulldogs dominated the No. 4 seed Kansas Jayhawks 89-68 to cover as a 4-point favorite. The Bulldogs have hit the Over in both tournament games.

Purdue knocked off 16th-seeded Grambling 78-50 in the 1st round to cover as a 27-point favorite before destroying Utah State 106-67 in the 2nd round on Sunday to cover as an 11.5-point favorite. The Boilermakers are 1-1 against the Over.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Gonzaga vs. Purdue odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:02 p.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Gonzaga +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Purdue -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
• Against the spread (ATS): Gonzaga +5.5 (-115) | Purdue -5.5 (-105)
• Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gonzaga vs. Purdue picks and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 84, Gonzaga 80

PASS.

Purdue (-225) has looked phenomenal in its 1st 2 games with C Zach Edey leading the way with a pair of double-doubles (30 points, 21 rebounds and 23, 14). There is no value on the Boilermakers to win.

BET GONZAGA +5.5 (-115).

While Purdue is expected to win, Gonzaga has proved its ability to compete with the No. 1 seed. The Bulldogs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games. They dominated Kansas in the 2nd round and have showed their defensive capabilities allowing 68 or fewer points in both games.

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BET OVER 154.5 (-110).

Both teams have scored at high rates in the 1st 2 rounds with the Bulldogs scoring 86 and 89 points and the Boilermakers scoring 78 and 106 points. This game will have a fast pace with each team having a unique ability to create scoring opportunities.

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