Purdue Boilermakers vs Houston Cougars Prediction – 3/28/2025

The Purdue Boilermakers and Houston Cougars are set to clash in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 28, at 10:09 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This matchup features Houston's formidable defense against Purdue's dynamic offense, promising an exciting contest for basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Houston Cougars Game Preview

The Houston Cougars enter this game as the No. 1 seed with an impressive 32-4 record, riding a 15-game winning streak. Their path to the Sweet 16 included decisive victories over Gonzaga and SIU Edwardsville. Houston's defense is a cornerstone of their success, leading the nation by allowing just 57.9 points per game and holding opponents to a 38.1% field goal percentage. Guard L.J. Cryer has been a standout performer, recently scoring 30 points against Gonzaga, showcasing his offensive prowess.

On the other hand, the Purdue Boilermakers, seeded fourth, hold a 24-11 record. Their journey to this stage saw them overcoming lower-seeded opponents, but they now face a significant challenge against Houston's top-tier defense. Forward Trey Kaufman-Renn has been instrumental for Purdue, leading the nation in field goals made, a testament to his scoring ability. However, Purdue's performance against elite teams away from home has been inconsistent, with a 1-6 record in such matchups, including a notable 18-point loss to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament held in Indianapolis.

Betting Insights

As of March 28, 2025, the betting odds for this Sweet 16 matchup are as follows:

• Spread: Houston favored by 7.5 points
• Moneyline: Houston -300, Purdue +240
• Over/Under: 131.5 points

These odds reflect Houston's defensive dominance and recent form. Bettors should consider Houston's ability to control the game's tempo and limit scoring opportunities for opponents. Additionally, Purdue's struggles against top-tier teams in neutral or away settings suggest potential challenges in covering the spread.

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Houston Cougars Prediction

This Sweet 16 encounter is poised to be a battle between Houston's stifling defense and Purdue's offensive capabilities. Houston's defensive strategy, characterized by intense ball pressure and efficient rebounding, is likely to disrupt Purdue's offensive rhythm. The Cougars' ability to limit key players like Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith will be crucial in determining the game's outcome.

Given Houston's recent form, defensive prowess, and Purdue's challenges against elite competition in neutral venues, the Cougars are well-positioned to advance to the Elite Eight. Bettors might find value in backing Houston to cover the spread, considering their consistent performance and defensive strength.

Final Score Prediction: Houston 68, Purdue 61