Updated:
Mar 20, 2026 , 04:19 PM ET
• 4 min read
Ponnaiya’s prediction: The Boilermakers’ elite offense will steamroll the Royals and cover a huge spread in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Purdue Boilermakers guard Omer Mayer (17) celebrates a basket.
The No. 15-seed Queens University Royals face the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament tonight.
The Boilermakers come in with momentum after claiming the Big Ten title, and my Queens University vs Purdue predictions expect them to torch a terrible Royals defense.
Here are my best free March Madness picks for this West Region clash on Friday, March 20.
Tip-off is set for 7:35 p.m. ET from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, with the game airing on truTV.
Queens University vs Purdue prediction
Who will win Queens University vs Purdue?
Purdue: The Boilermakers were famously upset by No. 15 seed Fairleigh Dickinson in 2023, but they usually get the job done in the first two rounds.
This team is spearheaded by Braden Smith, Foster Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn, who were all on that squad and haven’t forgotten. They’ll make sure Purdue doesn’t underestimate their opponent and comes out on top.
Queens University vs Purdue best bet: Purdue -25.5 (-110)
The Purdue Boilermakers boast the highest-rated offense in KenPom history. They take care of the ball, shoot extremely well from everywhere on the floor, and generate second chances on the glass.
Meanwhile, the Queens University Royals are a fast-paced team who are terrible defensively. They sit outside the top 300 in adjusted defense, opponent eFG% (54%), and defensive rebounding rate.
Queens is 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS against high-major opponents this season, with the only cover coming by the hook. Purdue has the firepower to build a big lead and the depth to extend it when key starters rest.
COVERS INTEL: Purdue coach Matt Painter has gone 17-8 ATS as a favorite in the NCAA Tournament, including sporting a 22-7 ATS in the first two rounds.
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Queens University vs Purdue same-game parlay
Since we’re betting on a blowout, it makes sense to back some of Purdue’s top bench players.
Freshman Jack Benter has reached 7+ points in back-to-back games, and he was highly productive early in the season against mid-major teams, scoring in double digits against Evansville, Oakland, and Kent State.
Meanwhile, backup center Daniel Jacobson will use his 7-foot-4 frame to dominate an undersized Queens frontcourt.
Queens University vs Purdue SGP
Purdue -25.5
Jack Benter Over 5.5 points
Daniel Jacobson Over 2.5 rebounds
Our Big Dance SGP: The Bench Squad
Let’s add Boilermakers backup point guard Omer Mayer to the mix, as star PG Braden Smith should get some rest in a lopsided win.
Mayer logged 2+ assists in five of his first seven games against non-conference opponents.
Queens University vs Purdue SGP
Purdue -25.5
Jack Benter Over 5.5 points
Daniel Jacobson Over 2.5 rebounds
Omer Mayer Over 1.5 assists
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Queens University vs Purdue odds
Spread: Queens University +25.5 (-110) | Purdue -25.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Queens University +1500 | Purdue -8000
Over/Under: Over 163.5 (-110) | Under 163.5 (-110)
Queens University vs Purdue betting trend to know
The Boilermakers have covered the first-half spread in their last four games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Queens University vs. Purdue.
How to watch Queens University vs Purdue
Location
Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
Date
Friday, March 20, 2026
Tip-off
7:35 p.m. ET
TV
truTV
Queens University vs Purdue key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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