Purdue Boilermakers vs
Houston CougarsPredictions & Preview

Purdue Set to Face Off Against Houston in Highly Anticipated Sweet 16 Matchup

The upcoming Sweet 16 matchup between Purdue and Houston in the Midwest Region is highly anticipated. Purdue recently defeated McNeese while Houston narrowly edged out Gonzaga in their previous games. In their series history, Purdue holds the advantage with two wins out of three meetings. Houston is currently favored with a -8 opening line that has remained unchanged. Stay tuned for an exciting contest on Friday night in Indianapolis.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Boilermakers +313 | Cougars -400
• Spread: Boilermakers +8 (-110) | Cougars -8 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 131.75 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 80%.

Purdue vs Houston Stats

Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue defeated McNeese to advance to the Sweet 16, showcasing strong offensive and defensive performances throughout the game. The Boilermakers maintained control with a 10-0 run early in the first half and led by as much as 18 points. They shot 45.1% from the field, including 11 of 26 from beyond the arc, and dominated the rebounding battle. Trey Kaufman-Renn led the team with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Purdue is known for their scoring offense, rebounding ability, and defensive prowess this season, ranking favorably in numerous categories. Unfortunately, Daniel Jacobsen suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the season.

Houston Cougars Analysis

The Houston Cougars advanced to the Sweet 16 by holding off Gonzaga in the second round. They are now 32-4 overall with a dominant 19-1 record in the Big 12. Led by L.J. Cryer's 30 points, the Cougars led wire-to-wire against Gonzaga, shooting 46.8% from the field and holding a 33-27 edge on the glass. Houston has a strong defense, allowing an average of 58.4 points per game, ranking them 1st in the nation for scoring defense. The team is also proficient on offense, shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc, which is 1st in Division I. Ramon Walker Jr. is a key player for the Cougars but is currently sidelined with a hand injury. Overall, Houston has a power ranking of 1 and is ranked 159th in offense, averaging 74.34 points per game. Defensively, they are ranked 1st, allowing an average of 57.69 points per game. With impressive stats on both ends of the court, the Cougars are a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.

Purdue Faces Tough Challenge Against Strong Houston Cougars

In the first two rounds, Purdue successfully managed to defeat High Point and McNeese. However, they now face a formidable challenge against a veteran Cougars team that possesses extensive experience in high-pressure situations. Houston currently ranks first in the nation for scoring defense and excels in perimeter shooting on offense. Unlike previous years, Purdue's strategy will need to adapt to the strength of their opponent. While Kaufman-Renn provides a solid presence in the low post, he may encounter difficulty in finding open shots against Houston. The Cougars are expected to impose a slow-paced, physical game on Purdue, ultimately defeating them and advancing to the Elite Eight.

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