Tennessee Volunteers vs. Purdue Boilermakers 3/31/24 – In a thrilling Elite 8 showdown, the Tennessee Volunteers (27-8) are set to clash with the Purdue Boilermakers (32-4) this Sunday. This matchup, not just pivotal for advancing to the Final Four, is also a goldmine for bettors seeking free March Madness top picks today. Set at the Little Caesars Arena and broadcasted on CBS at 2:20 PM ET, the stakes are as high as the excitement levels.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Purdue Boilermakers 3/31/24
| When: | Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 2:20 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Little Caesars Arena |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteers | +3 (-110) | 148 over (-110) | +140 |  |
| Boilermaker | -3 (-110) | 148 under (-110) | -166 | |
| ||||
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 30, 2024
The current betting landscape shows Purdue as the slight favorite, reflecting their superior record and performance this season. The spread is tight, indicating expectations of a close contest. Bettors might lean towards Tennessee with the spread, considering their ability to keep games competitive, despite Purdue’s formidable presence.
Dalton Knecht (Guard) vs. Zach Edey (Center)
Dalton Knecht, the guard for Tennessee, brings the team together as his season’s average of 21.1 points per game and a 46.1 shooting percentage shows. This career by the three-point line and the ability to draw charges from the defenders makes him a very important part of the Volunteers team. Yet, his numbers against the Purdue defense, especially the confrontation against the strong pivot player Zach Edey, could define the speed of Tennessee’s play.
Zach Edey, the Boilermaker’s center, is a two-way player whose offense is not only scoring machine (24.5 per game), but also a wall which is able to collect 12.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Tennessee are provided with a sizable challenge by his skills and his matchup, mainly dealing with his physical presence and rebounds.
The back and forth swap of these giants on the court will be a tumultuous factor in the game’s end-result. Knecht’s agility compared to Edey’s size is the main matchup, with Edey playing the post and guarding Knecht on the perimeter. They are both very important players who can swing the game’s momentum either way.
Volunteers’ Vigor: A Closer Look at Tennessee’s Stats
The Volunteers are known for their fast-paced offense, which features quick transition and highly efficient 3-point shooting, led by their perimeter players. The fact that they can constantly get points by themselves while playing Purdue’s defense which has been a bit weaker overall is also important. Tennessee’s defensive tactic, the strategy of ceasing outside scoring by opponents, will be leveled with Purdue’s sturdy frontcourt.
Boilermakers’ Battle Plan: Purdue’s Statistical Strengths
The Purdue team has an average point of 83.9 per game which was achieved by their excellent field-shooting rate. They have always opted for taking advantage of the situation they are in and length Boilermakers’ defense is the key to fight Tennessee’s three-pointer attempts by pressuring them into difficult shots.
Trends
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Trends
Tennessee are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Volunteers are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
Tennessee are 6-8 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Tennessee’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 8 of Tennessee’ 18 last games at home
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Trends
Purdue are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Boilermaker are 1-4 in their last 5 games against the spread
Purdue are 7-5 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Purdue’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 14 of Purdue’ 19 last games at home
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Purdue Boilermakers Betting Picks
As both teams like to play a tight game and with varying styles, this matchup is sure to be right to the buzzer. The main question will be how the Volunteers will deal with the Boilermakers’ size and what Purdue is going to do in order to limit Tennessee’s perimeter offense. This leads us to the conclusion that Purdue has a slight advantage through their ability to control the pace of the game and consistently perform.
Purdue, on the other hand, might be a better choice, especially on top-tier betting websites. On the other hand, Tennessee’s capacity to cover the spread should not be disregarded, which makes them an appealing draw for those seeking a decent bookmark. The aim is a tough target, but given their offensive strengths, the OVER may be a wise choice.
Score Prediction: Purdue 78, Tennessee 73
