The Arizona Wildcats are getting set to take on the Purdue Boilermakers tonight in the Elite 8. Two of the best college basketball programs in the country are set to meet with a trip to the Final 4 on the line. Arizona is fresh off a win over Arkansas in the Sweet 16, while Purdue got past Texas on Thursday night. Here is a prediction, preview, odds and key storylines ahead of tipoff.
Arizona vs. Purdue Game Odds
Arizona opened up as a 4-point favorite, with an over/under set at 152 total points. As of Saturday morning, Arizona was up to a 5.5-point favorite, with an over/under set at 153 total points.
Key Storyline: Can Purdue Knock Down Some 3’s?
The Boilermakers are going to have to hit some three-pointers in this game to pull off the upset. Purdue was tops in the Big Ten Conference, shooting over 38% from three this season. No team in the country can trade 2’s with Arizona. The Wildcats just shot 64% vs. Arkansas. Now Purdue doesn’t shoot a ton of threes, only ranking 9th in the Big Ten. But they’ll have to have a big night from deep. Arizona doesn’t shoot many from three, and doesn’t shoot it well. They haven’t needed to. But if you’re going to beat them, that’s your best bet.
Match Up to Watch: The Rebounding Margin
Purdue has size, not Arizona size, but size. However, they’ll have to be able to muscle Arizona down low and can’t get crushed on the boards in this game. Arizona was the top defensive and offensive rebounding team in the Big 12, while Purdue was a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten rebounding team this season. Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff are going to have to have a day down low to keep up with Arizona’s big men Peat, Krivas, Kharchenkov and Awaka. Good luck.
Prediction: Arizona 85, Purdue 75
Arizona is just too strong, deep, big and talented for Purdue. The Boilermakers may be able to hang in this game, but it’s set up for the Wildcats to win. It’s another good match up for Tommy Lloyd’s team, and I don’t see how Purdue can keep up. Another tidbit to note, Arizona has taken 998 free throws this season, 180 more than any other Big 12 team. Purdue was 17th of 18 Big Ten teams in free throws attempted per game. With a trip to the Final 4 on the line, this game is set up for a Wildcats win, and a cover of the spread in San Jose, which should have a strong Wildcat presence out west.
