NC State Wolfpack vs. Purdue Boilermakers – In what is shaping up to be a classic David vs. Goliath matchup in the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, the NC State Wolfpack will face off against the Purdue Boilermakers. With the Boilermakers’ dominating season record of 33-4 against the Wolfpack’s resilient 26-14, all eyes will be on State Farm Stadium this Saturday. Key players to watch include NC State’s dynamic guard DJ Horne and Purdue’s towering center Zach Edey, whose performances could sway the game’s outcome. This showdown has attracted significant attention from Canadian online sportsbooks, setting the stage for an epic clash.
NC State Wolfpack vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Date & Time: Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 6:09 PM ET
Location: State Farm Stadium
TV: TBS
NC State Wolfpack vs. Purdue Boilermakers Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| NC State | +345 | +9.5 (-114) | 146 over (-110) |
| Purdue | -450 | -9.5 (-105) | 146 under (-110) |
NC State Wolfpack Analysis
The NC State Wolfpack has had an offense that explodes, averaging 77.3 points per game over the course of the season. Keeping 45.2% rate in the field goals has been a critical factor especially their capability to shoot from the perimeter which forms a significant part of their offensive game.
At the defensive end, the pack has struggled at times, but they have managed to bounce back when need be. Their defensive rebounding, which is collectively initiated by the team, has played a major role in the defensive transition, this has facilitated fast break transition from defense to offense.
DJ Horne who has been outstanding this season and is the helm of the Wolfpack team with 16.8 points per game. His shooting accuracy from the downtown and free-throw line gives the enemy that should be looked for by the Purdue school. Horne poses as an X factor to NC state with his contributions at both ends.
Purdue Boilermakers Analysis
Purdue’s offense has been no south as they are currently averaging 83.5 points per game. By manufacturing an astounding 49.1% field goal rate, and with the big fella Zach Edey’s strong position in the inside, this offense becomes very productive.
Defense has benefited from Edey as rim protection has made Purdue one of the most lethal teams in the country. He averaged 2.2 blocks per game which have been the obstacles for omniki, while he substantiated the Purdue collective defense policy compliantly.
Zach Edey‘s averaging of 25 points and 12.2 rebounds a game signifies the significance in contributing to Purdue’s victory. The fact that Edey is leading and having the most points and is also effective in scoring makes him the main target of Purdue’s offensive program.
NC State Wolfpack vs. Purdue Boilermakers Against the Spread
NC State’s recent winning streak, having gone 5-0 in their last 5 games with the ability to cover spreads in 4 of those games, shows a squad finding their groove at the perfect time. Their performances on the road against the spread are a remarkable parity together, which represents their tenacity.
While Purdue did win their last 5 games, their performance against the spread has been mediocre at best with a 1-4 record. Therefore, it could be interpreted that while they are winning, they are not the level of dominance that the bookmakers required for their bets to be successful.
NC State Wolfpack vs. Purdue Boilermakers Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Purdue Boilermakers -450. Despite NC State’s impressive run, Purdue’s overall season dominance and the presence of Zach Edey make them the safer bet.
Spread: NC State Wolfpack +9.5 (-114). NC State’s recent ability to cover spreads, coupled with Purdue’s struggles against the spread, suggests NC State will keep it closer than the 9.5 points.
Total: Over 146. Both teams have shown a tendency to go over in recent games, and with the offensive firepower on display, expect a high-scoring affair.
Predicted Score: Purdue Boilermakers 81, NC State Wolfpack 74
In conclusion, although moneyline points heavily to Purdue, the spread gives the possibility for NC State to win the game. The spread is, therefore, the most interesting seed for those looking at Final Four free picks today. It is clear that the offensive firepower on both sides, makes the over on the total points a good betting option for this exciting match-up.
