Final Four: #11 NC State vs #1 Purdue Odds, and Picks (Apr 6)

• NC State kept their miraculous run going against Duke, defeating them 76-64 to advance.
• Purdue held off Tennessee in a competitive contest, winning 72-66 to make the Final Four.
• These two teams last matched up on December 12, 2021, in a game that Purdue won 82-72.

The NCAA Tournament has reached the Final Four! Let’s take a look at this exciting matchup between the NC State Wolfpack and the Purdue Boilermakers. The Wolfpack are attempting to become the very first double-digit seed to ever reach the title game.

How to Watch

• TBS

Preview

NC State wasn’t even going to make the tournament this season, until they went on a run in the ACC Tournament and claimed an automatic bid. Now, they’re in the Final Four, existing as one of the biggest examples of a reason for tournament expansion in recent years. The Wolfpack are led by DJ Burns Jr, who was sensational against Duke, finishing with 29 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Burns will have a brutal matchup with Zach Edey down low in this one, getting a chance to further prove his ability.

Purdue had their toughest test of the tournament so far against Tennessee, but managed to emerge victorious. Zach Edey was dominant once again, tallying 40 points and 16 rebounds in the win. He has been an absolute force this year, finally getting a chance to prove himself in the tournament after losing in the first round in the last three seasons. The Boilermakers undoubtedly have a title game matchup against UConn on their minds, but they need to first avoid overlooking a surging NC State team.

Prediction

This should be a sensational Final Four matchup featuring two incredible big men in the paint. It will be interesting to see how this game is officiated. Edey took 22 free throws in the win over Tennessee, while Burns was awarded with just 4 attempts from the line. If the refs are skewed in this game and Burns winds up in early foul trouble, NC State will be taken out of the game. That being said, if Burns stays on the court, his excellent footwork should test Edey. I see the Boilermakers winning a very close one.

NCAAB Picks:

• Purdue 74, NC State 68 (NCST +8.5)