Grambling vs Purdue Odds, Prediction | NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Betting Guide

No. 16 seeds have new found life after Fairleigh Dickinson and UMBC paved the path to success.

In this latest edition of 1 vs. 16, Grambling State takes on Purdue on Friday, March 22, at 7:25 p.m. ET on TBS.

Let's dive into the Grambling vs. Purdue odds and make a prediction in our NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament betting guide for their game on Friday, March 22.

What a comeback win it was for Grambling State against Montana State in the First Four. The Tigers were down by as many as 14 points, and they rallied in the second half to get the overtime win.

Grambling plays a very fast, hectic style of basketball. This was exactly what Purdue struggled with against FDU last season, which is something to keep an eye on.

The more erratic Grambling is in this matchup, the better it will fare. The Tigers know that they have zero answer for Zach Edey with a single body, so I would expect Grambling to send two or three bodies at him and hope Purdue misses some outside shots.

Grambling may actually have success getting by its initial defenders on the perimeter, but from there, it'll run into the brick wall — Edey. Look for the Tigers to take a crazy amount of "long 2s."

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The world is doubting Purdue after its struggles the last few years — and rightfully so. The Boilermakers have had the infrastructure to succeed for multiple seasons and have failed in a major way.

They're nearly the same team this time around — minus Lance Jones — but they're more mature and experienced.

I believe the close loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament was good for Purdue heading into the Big Dance.

Purdue can truly name its score in this matchup, as Grambling has zero answer for Edey. If the Tigers double Edey, that will lead to an easy kick out score. If they choose to take him on one-and-one, that will lead to an easy bucket or free throws.

Purdue has too many avenues to success in this matchup and will score at will; it's just a matter of how long it plays the starters.

The fact that Purdue is coming off a loss and actually had to put some thought into this game makes me feel that it'll roll its opponent.

The Boilermakers have a statement to make after their failures over the last few years.

Purdue will get the ball to Edey down low and the offense will flow with ease.

Don't be afraid to lay the big number; Purdue will get the job done.

Pick: Purdue -26.5