The No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers face off against No. 1 Arizona Wildcats in the Elite Eight tonight.
The Wildcats have looked unstoppable over the last month, and my Purdue vs. Arizona predictions expect them to cruise to another victory.
Here are my free March Madness picks for this West Region showdown on Saturday, March 28.
Tip-off is set for 8:49 p.m. ET from the SAP Center in San Jose, with the game airing on TBS.
- UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win.
Purdue vs Arizona prediction
Who will win Purdue vs Arizona?
Arizona: The Arizona Wildcats hammered No. 4 seed Arkansas by 21 points in the Sweet 16, while the Purdue Boilermakers needed a last-second bucket to edge No. 11 seed Texas.
The Boilermakers can pull off the upset if they catch fire from deep, but Arizona can beat them in so many different ways. With the Wildcats boasting a significant defensive edge, expect them to book their ticket to the Final Four.
Purdue vs Arizona best bet: Arizona -6 (-110)
The Boilermakers are a finesse offensive team that will melt against the superior athleticism and physicality of the Wildcats.
Purdue's backcourt of Braden Smith and Foster Loyer isn't quick enough to hang with Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries. Meanwhile, Trey Kaufman-Renn won't get open looks on the interior against an Arizona squad that ranks second in the country in 2-point defense (44.2%).
On offense, the Wildcats love to attack the basket with a whopping 73.6% of their shots coming inside the arc. They'll torch a piss-poor Purdue defense that ranks 334th in opponent 2PT% (56.7%) since the start of January.
COVERS INTEL: Arizona ranks 25th in the country in rim frequency and 33rd in rim efficiency, while Purdue is just 299th in rim defense per ShotQualityBets.
Purdue vs Arizona same-game parlay
With both teams boasting elite offenses and consistently clearing their team totals, the Over makes sense.
Arizona plays at a blistering pace, and we saw Purdue get pulled into an up-tempo first half against Texas. In addition, if the Boilermakers fall behind, they'll be forced to quicken their possessions and start chucking threes.
Texas went 11-25 from deep against the Boilermakers, who are 288th in opponent 3PT% (36.4%) since the start of January. They won't be able to contain Brayden Burries (16.2 ppg, 39.5 3PT%), who has knocked down more than 1.5 threes in six of his last seven games.
Purdue vs Arizona SGP
- Arizona -6
- Over 153
- Brayden Burries Over 1.5 threes
Our Big Dance SGP: Backcourt battle
In what should be a high-scoring game, let's back both talented backcourts to put on a show.
With Arizona clogging up the paint, Purdue will rely on Fletcher Loyer to score from the perimeter. He'll be fed the ball by Braden Smith, who holds the NCAA career assists record and dropped 9+ dimes in his final six regular-season games.
I mentioned that Burries will have success from the arc, and he should also be able to finish at the rim and score at midrange. Meanwhile, Bradley will pull the strings for an Arizona offense that will fill up the hoop.
Purdue vs Arizona SGP
- Fletcher Loyer Over 14.5 points
- Braden Smith Over 8.5 assists
- Brayden Burries Over 17.5 points
- Jaden Bradley Over 4.5 assists
Purdue vs Arizona odds
- Spread: Purdue +6 (-110) | Arizona -6 (-110)
- Moneyline: Purdue +230 | Arizona -280
- Over/Under: Over 153 (-110) | Under 153 (-110)
Check out our full March Madness odds for more.
Purdue vs Arizona betting trend to know
The Wildcats have covered the first-half spread in 12 of their last 18 games (+5.00 Units / 24% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Purdue vs. Arizona.
How to watch Purdue vs Arizona
| Location | SAP Center, San Jose, CA |
| Date | Saturday, March 28, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:49 p.m. ET |
| TV | TBS |
Purdue vs Arizona key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
